Taxi fares have increased on several routes in Kampala following the start of a government crackdown on unroadworthy 14-seater commuter taxis, with reduced vehicle availability leaving commuters facing longer waiting times and higher transport costs.
On Monday morning, August 24, 2026, commuters in parts of the city reported difficulty finding taxis, while some operators increased fares by between Shs500 and Shs2,000 on routes where the usual fare was Shs1,000.
The shortage also forced some commuters to walk to work, while demand for boda bodas increased as passengers sought alternative means of transport.
The enforcement follows a directive by the Minister of State for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, instructing police to impound taxis operating in what authorities classify as a Dangerous Mechanical Condition (DMC).
The operation, which is expected to run for 100 days, is aimed at removing dangerous vehicles from public transport and improving passenger safety.
However, the immediate effect of the exercise has been a reduction in the number of taxis available on some routes, resulting in longer queues, prolonged waiting times and increased fares.
Gideon Mubangizi, a passenger travelling from Kasubi to Kampala, said he waited for more than 40 minutes before finding a taxi and was charged Shs1,500 instead of the usual Shs1,000.
“It took me over 40 minutes to get a taxi this morning and even when it came, it charged me Shs1,500, not Shs1,000 as usual. Imagine from Kasubi up to town,” Mubangizi said.
He said passengers who questioned the fare increase were told they could leave the taxi because there were many other customers willing to pay.
According to Mubangizi, the conductor and driver told passengers: “Atayagala fuluma, ba customer bangi,” meaning those who were not comfortable with the fare could get off because there were many customers waiting for the same taxi.
Commuters travelling from Bwaise to Kampala also reported sharp increases, with fares rising from the usual Shs2,000 to as much as Shs4,000.
The increased demand for alternative transport was also felt among boda boda operators, with passengers reporting longer waiting times as more commuters turned to motorcycles.
The government crackdown follows a 60-day assessment of commuter taxis. According to Byamukama, 30 vehicles inspected at government vehicle inspection centres failed mandatory roadworthiness requirements.
The minister has described the 100-day operation as part of efforts to restore “trade order” in Uganda’s public transport sector by ensuring that vehicles carrying passengers are safe and properly maintained.
While the enforcement is intended to protect commuters from vehicles that could pose a danger on the roads, Monday’s disruptions have raised concerns about the immediate impact of withdrawing taxis from service without sufficient alternatives.
For commuters, the challenge now is balancing the need for safer public transport with rising fares, longer waiting times and reduced taxi availability as the enforcement exercise gets underway.
