The Ministry of Works and Transport has revealed that 408 taxis have failed mandatory vehicle inspections since the launch of Operation Ganyegenya, raising fresh concerns about the roadworthiness of public transport vehicles operating on Uganda’s roads.
According to the Ministry, 477 DMC (Dangerously Mechanically Conditioned) taxis have been impounded since the operation began on August 24, 2026, and subsequently subjected to inspection at the Ministry’s Mandatory Vehicle Inspection facilities.
Of the 477 vehicles inspected, only 69 have been repaired and successfully passed the automated inspection, representing a small fraction of the vehicles taken off the roads.
The remaining 408 vehicles failed the inspection and are currently undergoing repairs at various garages.
The Ministry said the registration plates of the vehicles that failed inspection have been removed and retained by the Ministry until the owners complete the required repairs and the vehicles pass another inspection.
The vehicles will only be allowed back on the road after they have been issued with a Certificate of Fitness, confirming that they meet the required safety and roadworthiness standards.
The figures highlight the scale of the mechanical defects among some taxis operating in the public transport sector and the enforcement challenges facing authorities seeking to improve road safety.
The Ministry has not indicated when the 408 vehicles will be eligible for reinspection, but their return to the roads remains conditional on successful repairs and certification.
Operation Ganyegenya, which commenced on August 24, is part of intensified enforcement targeting vehicles deemed mechanically unsafe and other road traffic violations.
The latest figures mean that about 86% of the impounded taxis have so far failed inspection, while only about 14% have cleared the mandatory checks.
Authorities have continued to warn vehicle owners and public transport operators that mechanically defective vehicles pose serious risks to passengers and other road users and will not be permitted to operate until they meet the required safety standards.
