Uber Leaves Uganda After 10 Years. What Went Wrong? – Innovation Village

After a decade on Uganda’s roads, Uber has officially left the country.

The ride-hailing company ended its operations in Uganda on September 2, 2026, bringing its 10-year run in the market to an unexpected close. Uber launched in Kampala in 2016 and quickly became part of the city’s growing app-based transport industry.

But after 10 years, the company decided to pull the plug.

Uber told customers that it had made the decision after a “thorough review” of its business. However, the company did not point to one specific problem that forced it out of Uganda. Instead, it said the decision was limited to Uganda and Nigeria and would not affect its other operations across Africa.

So, what went wrong?

The biggest clue may be Uganda’s increasingly competitive ride-hailing market. Uber is no longer the only major platform fighting for passengers in Kampala. Competitors such as Bolt, SafeBoda and Faras have built their own customer bases and continue to compete for drivers and riders.

That competition matters because ride-hailing is a difficult business. Platforms must attract enough drivers while keeping fares affordable for passengers. At the same time, they have to manage operating costs and maintain a service that can remain profitable.

Uganda’s market has also changed significantly since Uber arrived. In 2016, app-based transport was still relatively new. Today, commuters have more options, while drivers can move between several platforms depending on which one offers better opportunities.

Uber’s exit also comes at a significant moment for the company globally.

The company is restructuring its business and plans to cut around 3,300 corporate jobs, representing roughly 10% of its workforce. Uber says the restructuring will simplify its organisation and reduce…