Police pause Operation Ganyegenya

What the report says

Police in Uganda have said the 100-day Operation Ganyegenya, a crackdown on dangerous and unroadworthy public service vehicles, has not been carried out every day since it began on August 24 because of logistics at impound yards. The campaign was launched after the Ministry of Works and Transport ordered action against commuter taxis operating in unsafe mechanical condition, with the first sweep focusing on the Kampala metropolitan area.

During the initial enforcement exercise, police impounded 178 taxis. Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura said officers did not have enough space to hold the growing number of seized vehicles, so the plan is to impound taxis, inspect them, release those needing repairs, and then return for another round of enforcement. So far, 106 of the impounded taxis had been inspected, while 72 were still awaiting checks.

The inspections are being done at gazetted centres including Naguru, Wankulukuku, Natete and Gayaza, and cover brakes, tyres, windscreens, bodywork, seat belts, fire extinguishers and other safety features. Vehicles that fail are returned to owners for repairs and later rechecked. State Minister for Works and Transport Fred Byamukama said some operators have resisted past crackdowns, while police also said they are preparing night operations to catch taxis moved off the road during the day.

Police dismissed claims that impounded vehicles are being released through bribery, saying officers face disciplinary action if they solicit or accept money. They said the operation will later expand beyond Kampala to other parts of the country.