For some of Kampala’s commuter taxis, the morning commute came to an abrupt end on Monday after traffic police launched a crackdown on vehicles whose mechanical condition appeared to be held together by little more than hope and prayer.
The operation, which started at about 6:00am, targeted dilapidated 14-seater taxis commonly known as “gganyegenya” operating across Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono.
Hundreds of passengers were left stranded as officers stopped taxis along major routes and removed those considered too dangerous to remain on the road.
Among the routes targeted were Gayaza Road, Jinja Road, the Northern Bypass at Busega, Namugongo, Kawempe and Hoima Road.
Some of the impounded taxis left many wondering how they had managed to survive daily trips, let alone carry passengers, without falling apart along the way.
For passengers who had been using some of the vehicles every day, the crackdown may have raised an uncomfortable question: how exactly did they endure those rides?
From worn-out bodywork to questionable mechanical conditions, the vehicles targeted in the operation were a reminder that some passengers have been taking their lives into their hands every time they board a taxi simply because they need to get to work, school or business.
The operation is part of intensified road-safety enforcement by the Ministry of Works and Transport and traffic police, aimed at removing dangerous vehicles from Uganda’s roads.
For the passengers left waiting by the roadside, however, the immediate concern was finding another way to reach their destinations.
