Mike Mukula has unveiled an ambitious proposal aimed at redefining Uganda’s special hire taxi industry, arguing that the sector urgently needs structure, identity, and firm regulation. The former NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda says modernising transport is no longer optional but essential for a country experiencing rapid urban growth.
Central to his proposal is a dramatic visual transformation. Mukula wants every special hire taxi in the country painted in a single, bold national colour—either royal blue or bright yellow—to clearly separate them from commuter taxis and boda bodas. He believes a uniform appearance would instantly remove confusion and help passengers easily identify licensed operators.
He has called on the Ministry of Works and Transport to back the idea with binding statutory regulations to ensure nationwide compliance. In his view, standardisation would strengthen enforcement efforts and introduce a sense of discipline that has long been missing in the industry.
Mukula maintains that Uganda’s transport system must reflect order and professionalism if it is to compete globally. With cities expanding and traffic volumes rising, he argues that the absence of distinct standards is contributing to congestion, safety risks, and public mistrust.
In addition to the colour proposal, Mukula is advocating for formally gazetted parking zones in key urban centres such as Kampala, Gulu, Mbarara, and Jinja. Designated areas for special hire vehicles, he says, would streamline operations and reduce the disorder that often characterizes busy streets.
The seasoned politician is also pressing for tougher operational requirements. He proposes mandatory comprehensive insurance, digital vehicle registration systems, routine mechanical inspections, thorough driver vetting, and clear fare transparency as baseline standards for all operators.
Pointing to structured transport systems in cities like London and New York City, Mukula argues that strong branding combined with firm oversight enhances passenger confidence and investor trust. He insists Uganda can replicate such success through deliberate reform.
Should these proposals gain government backing, the special hire taxi sector could undergo one of its most significant transformations in decades. A unified identity, clear standards, and uncompromising enforcement may well usher in a new era of professionalism and order on Uganda’s roads.
