Ride-hailing company Uber has announced that it will wind down its operations in Uganda, bringing its nearly decade-long presence in the country to an end.
In an email sent to customers on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Uber said it had made the decision to leave Uganda following a review of its business operations.
“After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Uganda, effective 2 September 2026,” the company said.
Uber first launched its services in Kampala in 2016, connecting customers with independent transportation providers.
The company described its time in Uganda as “an absolute privilege,” thanking customers for allowing it to be part of their daily lives.
The exit means Uber services will no longer be available to customers in Uganda from September 2.
Uber’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Uganda’s ride-hailing industry, where the company became one of the most recognisable platforms for on-demand transportation, particularly in Kampala.
The company’s entry in 2016 helped popularise app-based ride-hailing in Uganda, allowing users to request rides, track drivers and make payments through a digital platform.
However, the announcement has left customers and drivers facing questions about the immediate implications of the shutdown, particularly for people who relied on the platform for transportation or income.
Uber has not, in the portion of the announcement available, disclosed the specific reasons behind its decision to exit Uganda.
The company’s message characterised the decision as a difficult one following a “thorough review” of its business.
The development comes as Uganda’s digital transportation sector continues to evolve, with ride-hailing platforms competing for customers and drivers in an increasingly technology-driven mobility market.
