Ugandan authorities have issued a ban on the operation of dilapidated taxis in the capital city of Kampala in an effort to enhance road safety. The ban was announced by State Minister for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, during a meeting with transport operators at a vehicle inspection center. The minister noted that many of the taxis in operation pose a danger to passengers and other road users, citing instances where taxis had to secure their doors with ropes and had abominable smells emanating from them.

The Ugandan Ministry of Works and Transport has coordinated with the Ugandan police to enforce the ban, with plans to confiscate vehicles that do not comply with the new technical inspection requirements. Beginning April 8, vehicles deemed old and unfit will be prohibited from operating within the capital city's jurisdiction as part of a campaign aimed at reducing accidents linked to poorly maintained vehicles. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to improving public safety standards in the transportation sector.

In a related move, the ministry has issued a two-month notice requiring buses operating on northern and eastern routes to undergo technical inspections and obtain validation stickers proving their road worthiness. The minister explained that these measures will kick off from April 8 and are designed to bolster passenger safety across the board, as ill-maintained vehicles have long been a concern for transportation authorities in Uganda.