Ride-hailing giant Uber has announced its immediate exit from Uganda, bringing an end to more than a decade of operations in the country’s growing digital transport industry.
The company announced on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, that it would wind down its ride-hailing operations in Uganda and Nigeria following a review of its business priorities and investment strategy across Africa.
For Ugandan riders and drivers, the announcement marks the end of a journey that began on June 2, 2016, when Uber officially launched in Kampala.
At the time, Kampala became Uber’s 462nd city globally and 10th city in Africa, with the company initially introducing its UberX service through its mobile application.
Uber later expanded its services in Uganda, including the introduction of UberBODA in March 2018, giving customers additional transport options within Kampala.
However, after more than a decade in the country, the global ride-hailing company has now pulled the plug.
“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026,” an Uber spokesperson said.
Uber stressed that the decision affects only Uganda and Nigeria and does not signal an exit from the wider Sub-Saharan African market.
The company says its immediate focus will be supporting affected riders, drivers and employees during the transition. Active drivers are expected to receive a token of appreciation, while customer support will remain available for riders for 21 days.
Uber’s exit leaves competitors such as Bolt operating in Uganda’s ride-hailing market.
The departure closes a major chapter in Kampala’s transport industry, more than 10 years after Uber changed the way thousands of Ugandans moved around the city.
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