Police have impounded 178 taxis on the first day of a crackdown on Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) operating in dangerous mechanical conditions across Kampala.
The enforcement operation began on Monday, August 24, 2026, following a directive by the Minister of State for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, ordering police to impound taxis operating in what authorities classify as a Dangerous Mechanical Condition (DMC).
Traffic and Road Safety Police spokesperson Michael Kananura said the 178 vehicles had been impounded and were being held at various police stations within the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) area.
“During our enforcement operations against Public Service Vehicles operating in dangerous mechanical conditions, a total of 178 vehicles have been impounded within the KMP area,” Kananura said.
The breakdown shows that 53 vehicles were impounded in KMP East, 62 in KMP South and 63 in KMP North.
Kananura said the crackdown is aimed at ensuring that taxis carrying members of the public meet the required road safety standards.
“The operation is aimed at ensuring that all Public Service Vehicles operating on our roads are roadworthy, properly maintained and compliant with the required safety standards,” he said.
He warned taxi owners, operators and drivers against putting mechanically defective vehicles on the road, saying such vehicles endanger passengers and other road users.
“A mechanically unsafe vehicle is not only a danger to its passengers but also poses a serious risk to other road users,” Kananura said.
He urged operators to take responsibility for the condition of their vehicles by conducting regular inspections and addressing mechanical defects before putting them on the road.
“We strongly urge all PSV owners, operators and drivers to prioritise the safety of passengers and other road users by ensuring that their vehicles are regularly inspected, properly maintained and kept in a safe and roadworthy condition,” he said.
Kananura said the enforcement operation would continue beyond the first day, with police determined to ensure compliance across Kampala.
“These enforcement operations will continue until sanity and full compliance are restored within the KMP area,” he said.
The crackdown is expected to run for 100 days and is aimed at removing dangerous vehicles from public transport and improving passenger safety.
Police have advised taxi owners and operators to rectify mechanical defects before putting their vehicles back on the road, warning that road safety requirements will not be compromised.
