Uber has officially shut down its ride-hailing operations in Uganda, ending a run that began when the company launched in Kampala in June 2016. The exit took effect on September 2, 2026, and was communicated to customers by email.
“We’re writing to share some difficult news,” the company told riders, framing the decision as the outcome of a broader strategic review rather than a Uganda-specific failure.
A Regional Retreat, Not Just a Local One
Uganda’s exit didn’t happen in isolation. Uber pulled out of Nigeria and Uganda after 12 and 10 years respectively, narrowing its African footprint while retaining operations in four major markets: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa remain active Uber markets. This follows earlier withdrawals — Uber had already exited Tanzania in February 2026, and it left Ivory Coast the year before after six years there.
The company insists this is a narrowing of focus, not a continental pullback. Uber said the decision is limited strictly to Nigeria and Uganda and does not impact its operations across the rest of the continent, adding it remains deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where it continues to see robust growth and long-term opportunity.
The Uganda and Nigeria exits are also tied to a larger corporate restructuring — part of a global cutback that cuts about 3,300 jobs, roughly 10% of Uber’s workforce.
Ten Years of History in Kampala
Uber’s run in Uganda wasn’t a minor footnote. Uber launched as the country’s first major app-based ride-hailing service, initially connecting passengers with drivers operating special-hire taxis who relied largely on cash payments. In March 2018, Uber expanded into motorcycle transport with the launch of uberBODA in Kampala, making Uganda the first country where the company introduced its motorcycle ride-hailing service — a notable milestone given how central boda bodas are to East African urban mobility.
No Specific Reason Given
Despite the fanfare of a decade-long presence, Uber didn’t offer Ugandans a detailed explanation. Uber did not give specific reasons for its decision to leave Uganda, attributing it only to the outcome of an internal review. What’s clear is that the local market had grown far more crowded than it was in 2016.
Who Fills the Gap
Riders in Kampala aren’t left without options. Local rivals like SafeBoda and Faras compete in the space, and more broadly competition in Kampala’s app-based transport market has intensified, with riders able to choose from several platforms including SafeBoda’s SafeCar, Faras, Yango and other services. SafeBoda has expanded beyond its traditional motorcycle business into car-hailing, positioning itself as perhaps the most direct heir to Uber’s share of the market.
What Happens to Drivers and Riders
Uber says it isn’t leaving people stranded overnight. The company said it has contacted active drivers with a token of appreciation as they transition off the platform, while rider support channels will remain open for 21 days to address outstanding queries. This support is meant to help with outstanding queries, refunds, and account balances, and Uber says it will handle rider data according to data protection laws and privacy policies. Beyond that general commitment, though, the company hasn’t disclosed specific compensation or exit packages for drivers.
This is a fast-moving story — some details around driver compensation and next steps for the local market are still emerging. We at Uganda Car Rental Services will keep you posted with all the latest news about Uber’s exit from Uganda after a decade.
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