Matatu/Taxi Transport in Kampala, Uganda

One of the means to use for transport in Kampala or any other city in Uganda is a public taxi. Some people in places like Nairobi in Kenya call it a matatu. It is the most used option in the country.

Taxi operators in Uganda use the redesigned Toyota Hiace. It is a fourteen-passenger seater. These minivans differ their self-unique with horizontal blue square dotted stripes. It has a driver and a conductor who invites passengers for the service. They transport thousands of passengers daily to and from the city to nearby suburbs and towns in the upcountry.

Operated by locals, these cars base from different taxi stands and carry passengers to other destinations. They go on stopping at different points along the main roads.

You can sit in one and enjoy the ride to places like Najjanankumbi, Kibuye, Katwe, Namasuba, Kajjansi, Lubowa, Zzana, Entebbe, Kawuku, Kisubi, Nakawuka, Naguru, Ntinda, Kamwokya, Najjera, Kira, Namugongo, Kiwatule, Kabalagala, Buziga, Kawempe, Bombo, Gayaza, Kalwere, Mpererwe, Mutundwe, Kyengera, Makindye, Nakawa, Kyambogo, Seeta, Bweyogerere and a lot more.

For an organized and successful trip, make sure to board one right from the taxi park, especially for long trips like Kampala to Mbale, Mbarara, Jinja, Gulu, Fort portal, and more. You usually pay the transport fee at the end of the trip. Make sure to know the charge before the car starts to avoid disagreements. In the taxi parks, some posters indicate fares for each route.

Moreover, taxi fares in Kampala are pocket-friendly and depend on the length of the journey. Expect to pay between 1000 – 5000 Uganda shillings for trips around Kampala and its suburbs. For journeys out of the city, the fares start from 5000 – 30,000 shillings or more.

Taxi Parks in Kampala

Kampala has four main taxi stands you can visit if you need public taxi transport. These are USAFI Park, Old taxi Park, Namayiba, and the new taxi park. There are all located a few kilometers from each other.

If you are in the city center, the old taxi stand is for you. It is just along Burton Street near the Aponye mall, a building that houses the notable Mega Standard supermarket.