Writing to all its users in Uganda and Nigeria, Uber, an American multinational transportation company, has announced that it will wind down its ride-hailing operations in both countries, effective today, 2 September 2026.
In emails sent to riders and customers in each country, under the bold headings “Uber will be leaving Uganda today” and “Uber will be leaving Nigeria today,” the company said the decision followed a “thorough review” of its business.
Uber launched its ride-hailing services, including car and boda rides, as well as courier services, in Kampala, Uganda, in 2016, while its operations in Nigeria began in Lagos in 2014. In both emails, Uber thanked users for choosing its platform over the years, adding it had been a privilege to connect them with independent transportation providers.
“Uber will be leaving Uganda today. We are writing to share some difficult news. After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Uganda, effective 2 September 2026. Since we first launched in Kampala in 2016, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life connecting you with independent transportation providers.”
The emails did not explain the exits, but they come as Uber reshapes its business priorities, focusing investment on markets with greater growth potential while cutting about 3,300 jobs globally and investing heavily in driverless technology and robotaxis.
For Ugandan riders, however, Uber’s exit does not mean the end of app-based ride-hailing. SafeBoda, which has operated in Uganda since 2015, remains in the market with its motorcycle (Boda Boda) ride service and SafeCar, its car-hailing service.
