Kampala’s Ganyegenya crackdown triggers rush to repair taxis

What the report says

A traffic enforcement drive in Kampala targeting poorly maintained taxis, locally referred to as “Ganyegenya,” has increased demand for vehicle repairs in the Kisenyi area, according to URN as published by The Independent Uganda. The operation began on Monday under directives from the Ministry of Works and Transport and is aimed at removing dangerously defective taxis from the road to improve safety.

At South Africa Garage on Mwanga II Road, the number of taxi owners seeking rehabilitation has risen sharply, leaving mechanics with a backlog. Garage manager Samuel Ssebunya said many of the vehicles need bodywork, seat repairs or replacement, repainting and electrical fixes such as lights. He also said the work has been slowed by power interruptions in Kisenyi and by shortages of spare parts and other materials.

Some owners, Ssebunya said, were not prepared for the crackdown and are struggling to pay for repairs, leading some to borrow money or arrange instalment payments with mechanics. He added that the garage can usually finish several taxis in a day, but is now returning about five on a good day. The report also noted that poor road conditions may contribute to frequent damage.

Taxi driver Derrick Ssemmanda welcomed the enforcement, saying drivers had long reported faults to owners and that unsafe vehicles put passengers and other road users at risk.