The Ministry of Works and Transport says 423 of 531 impounded commuter taxis failed safety inspections, while 390 of 492 heavy dump trucks passed a separate mandatory roadworthiness exercise.
More than 400 commuter taxis have failed roadworthiness inspections after being found with dangerous mechanical defects, raising concerns about passenger safety on Uganda’s roads.
Of the 531 taxis impounded during a joint operation by the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda Police Force on Thursday night, 423, representing 79.7 per cent, failed inspections conducted at the Namanve and Kawanda vehicle inspection centres.
Only 108 taxis, equivalent to 20.3 per cent, passed the tests and were found fit for road use.
Ministry of Works and Transport spokesperson Hadijja Nakakande said the vehicles that failed inspection had critical mechanical defects, including faulty brakes, defective steering systems, worn-out tyres, faulty suspension systems and defective lighting.
She said the defects posed serious safety risks to passengers and other road users, rendering the affected vehicles unfit to operate on public roads.
The joint operation targeted commuter taxis operating at night that were suspected of being unroadworthy.
Meanwhile, 390 of the 492 heavy dump trucks inspected by the Ministry passed the roadworthiness tests, representing 79.3 per cent.
The remaining 102 trucks, equivalent to 20.7 per cent, failed inspection.
The exercise followed a directive announced by the Ministry in August requiring all heavy dump trucks, including Sinotruk vehicles, to undergo mandatory inspection within 60 days.
The inspection period expired on Friday, October 16, 2026.
According to the Ministry, dump trucks without valid inspection certificates will not be permitted to operate on public roads. Operators found using vehicles without the required certificates risk having their trucks impounded.
The inspection results highlight mechanical safety concerns among commercial vehicles operating on Uganda’s roads, particularly commuter taxis that carry passengers daily and heavy trucks that transport goods.
Faulty brakes, defective steering systems and worn-out tyres can compromise a vehicle’s ability to operate safely, increasing the risk of crashes and endangering other road users.
The Ministry’s enforcement campaign is intended to ensure that commercial vehicles meet the required roadworthiness standards before being allowed to transport passengers or goods.
Vehicle operators are required to maintain their vehicles, comply with mandatory inspections and obtain valid inspection certificates before operating on public roads.