Hundreds of taxis have fallen victim in the ongoing crackdown
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda’s roads are facing an intensified enforcement campaign, with the Uganda Police Force and joint security agencies impounding hundreds of vehicles as authorities move to curb dangerous driving, remove unroadworthy vehicles and restore discipline among motorists.
The latest police figures show that 569 vehicles have been impounded under three ongoing road-safety operations: Ganyegenya, Babala Salama and Tekeleza Sheria. The operations are intended to reduce road crashes and ensure that motorists and vehicle operators comply with traffic and safety requirements.
The largest number of impoundments has come from Operation Ganyegenya, which specifically targets Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) operating in dangerous mechanical conditions.
According to sources at the Uganda Police, since the operation began, 499 vehicles have been impounded, including 130 during the latest week. “Of the 369 vehicles that have undergone mechanical inspection, 328, or 88.9 per cent, failed, while only 42 passed. The figures have strengthened concerns about the condition of vehicles carrying large numbers of passengers on Ugandan roads.”
Police have cited defects including faulty brakes and lights, worn-out tyres, damaged side mirrors, defective doors, missing reflectors and non-functional windscreen wipers among the problems found on some taxis. Some vehicles have also reportedly been held together using makeshift materials.
The crackdown comes against a backdrop of rising road crashes. Uganda Police recorded 26,044 crashes in 2025, including 4,602 fatal crashes and 13,563 serious crashes. Overall crashes increased by 3.7 per cent compared with 2024.
A second focus is illegal vehicle modifications and the misuse of emergency-style equipment. Operation Tekeleza Sheria, conducted jointly by Police and the UPDF Military Police Brigade, targets vehicles fitted with unauthorised sirens, swivelling or flashing lights, as well as vehicles without number plates or with concealed plates.
Police say 70 vehicles have been impounded under Tekeleza Sheria. The operation also targets security personnel who violate traffic regulations, reinforcing the message that enforcement is intended to apply regardless of a driver’s status.
Authorities are also targeting reckless driving, driving without valid permits and other traffic offences. In a separate joint operation, police and military authorities recently impounded 30 vehicles over violations including reckless driving, concealed number plates and illegal lights and sirens.
For heavy trucks, including Sinotruks, operators have been given an inspection window before tougher enforcement begins. Police say 148 such vehicles have so far been inspected, with 41 failing and being deregistered.
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