Operation against old taxis commendable, but there is more to road safety

What the report says

The Observer says a new enforcement drive against commuter taxis in dangerous mechanical condition is a welcome road-safety step, but argues it should be only part of a broader transport reform. The paper says the 100-day “Operation Ganyegenya” began on August 24, 2026 in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, targeting taxis with problems such as damaged seats, faulty doors, worn tyres and unsafe steering systems.

The commentary places the operation in the context of long-standing transport and safety problems in Kampala and nearby districts, where minibuses and boda bodas dominate travel. It cites the 2025 annual crime report, saying a large share of traffic offenders were linked to vehicles in poor mechanical condition. But it warns that removing unsafe taxis does not remove passenger demand, and people may shift to boda bodas, walking, overcrowded vehicles or other risky options.

The piece also notes that motorcycle riders and passengers accounted for the biggest share of serious injuries in the report, while pedestrians made up the most common crash category. It argues that a smaller taxi fleet could encourage overloading, speeding and fatigue among the remaining operators, creating new dangers even as mechanical defects are reduced.

As a longer-term answer, the article says the revived bus system could absorb more passengers and that roadworthiness checks should be routine rather than occasional crackdowns. It calls for more buses, regular inspections and consistent enforcement to prevent vehicles from deteriorating to the point of being unsafe.