Uber exits Uganda after 12 years

What the report says

Uber has ended its operations in Uganda and Nigeria, according to The Observer, closing a 12-year run in Uganda’s ride-hailing market. The company said the shutdown took effect on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, after what it described as a thorough review of its business. Uber added that the move is limited to those two countries and does not affect its services elsewhere in Africa.

The company said its immediate focus is on supporting drivers, riders and local staff during the transition, with assistance to continue for 21 days. A communications official for East and West Africa said Uber remains committed to sub-Saharan Africa and still sees growth and long-term opportunities in the region. The report notes that Uber did not give a detailed explanation for leaving Uganda.

Uber’s exit marks the end of a period in which it helped introduce app-based ride-hailing to Kampala and later expanded into motorcycle transport with UberBoda. The market has since become more crowded, with competitors including Bolt, SafeBoda, Yango and others. Industry observers quoted in the report pointed to challenges such as driver retention, commission disputes and high operating costs, though these were presented as possible factors rather than Uber’s stated reasons.

The departure is likely to affect part of Uganda’s digital transport sector, where ride-hailing has become an important source of income for many drivers. It also follows Uber’s exits from other African markets in recent years, showing a broader reshaping of its regional footprint.