KAMPALA — Global ride-hailing company Uber has ended its operations in Uganda after a decade, bringing to a close its presence in the country’s increasingly competitive urban transport market.
Uber discontinued its services in Uganda on September 2, 2026, as part of a wider decision to withdraw from Uganda and Nigeria following a review of its business priorities and investment strategy across Africa.
The company entered Uganda in June 2016, launching its ride-hailing platform in Kampala and positioning the service as a technology-driven alternative to conventional taxi services. At the time, Uber described Kampala as a growing city ready for “safe, reliable and efficient transportation.”
In a statement to customers and drivers, Uber said the decision followed a thorough review of its business. “After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026,” the company said.
Uber said its withdrawal was limited to the two countries and would not affect its other operations on the continent.
“This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent,” the company said.
The company said its immediate priority was to assist people affected by the shutdown. “Our immediate priority is supporting drivers, riders, and local team members throughout this transition,” Uber said.
The company added that it remained committed to the wider African market despite the exits. “Uber remains deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see robust growth and long-term opportunity,” the statement said.
The withdrawal means Ugandan riders will no longer be able to request Uber trips through the platform, while drivers who relied on the service for income will have to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Uganda’s ride-hailing market has expanded considerably since Uber’s arrival in 2016, with competitors including Bolt, SafeBoda and Faras offering alternative services to commuters in Kampala and other urban areas.
The departure is therefore expected to reshape competition in Uganda’s app-based transport industry, particularly in Kampala, where ride-hailing has become an important part of the daily transport system.
Uber’s exit from Uganda comes at a time when the company is undertaking a broader restructuring of its global operations.
The company has announced plans to cut about 3,300 corporate jobs, equivalent to roughly 10 per cent of its workforce, as Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi seeks to reduce management layers and simplify the organisation.
However, Uber has not directly attributed its Ugandan exit to the global job cuts.
In Nigeria, where Uber also ended operations on September 2, the company faced a challenging ride-hailing environment marked by intensified competition, rising fuel costs, inflation and currency volatility. Reuters reported that Uber did not provide specific reasons for the Nigerian withdrawal beyond its review of operations.
The company has also been reducing its footprint in other African markets. Its latest withdrawals follow its exit from Ivory Coast and Tanzania, leaving Uber operating in four African countries — Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, according to reports on the latest restructuring.
For Ugandan customers, Uber said support would remain available during the transition period to deal with outstanding issues.
The company has also said that customer data will continue to be handled according to applicable data protection laws and its privacy policies, with data retention limited to what is legally required.
Uber’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Uganda’s digital transport industry.
When the company launched in Kampala in 2016, it introduced an app-based model that allowed passengers to request rides and connect with drivers in real time. The company also promoted GPS tracking, driver screening and trip records as part of its safety and accountability measures.