A special hire is Uganda’s term for a private car taxi — you hire the vehicle and driver exclusively for your journey rather than sharing with strangers. Special hires are the standard short-distance ground transport for visitors who want more comfort and security than a boda boda and more flexibility than a matatu shared taxi. In 2027 special hires operate everywhere in Uganda from Entebbe to Kampala to remote towns near national parks. This guide covers how to find them, how to negotiate, and what fair prices look like.
What Is a Special Hire
Special hire is the Ugandan English term for a private taxi. The driver takes only you (and your group) to your destination — no other passengers are picked up along the way. This distinguishes it from a matatu (shared minibus) or a stage taxi (shared car that fills up and then goes). Special hires are negotiated rather than metered — you agree the price before getting in. Vehicles vary from small sedans to 4WD SUVs depending on the operator and destination.
Where to Find Special Hire Taxis
In Entebbe, special hire taxis wait outside the international airport arrivals hall, at hotels, and along the main road through town. In Kampala they operate throughout the city, particularly at hotels, shopping centers, and main junctions. In smaller towns like Kabale, Kisoro, and Mbarara, special hires are available at the bus park and taxi park. Your hotel reception can call a trusted driver for you — this is often the most reliable approach as the hotel vouches for the driver’s character.
How to Negotiate the Price
Always ask the price before getting in. The driver quotes a number; you counter with 60 to 70 percent of their opening figure; they revise upward; you meet somewhere in the middle. This is the standard pattern and both parties understand it. Do not feel embarrassed about negotiating — it is expected. The key reference point is the local rate for Ugandans on the same journey. Ask your hotel or lodge what a fair price is for your specific route before going out. With that number in mind, negotiations are straightforward.
Approximate Prices in 2027
The following are approximate fair prices for common special hire journeys in 2027. Prices are in Ugandan shillings; USD equivalents are approximate at current exchange rates:
- Entebbe town to airport: 15,000 to 25,000 UGX ($4 to $7)
- Entebbe to Kampala city center: 60,000 to 100,000 UGX ($16 to $28)
- Within Kampala (cross-city): 30,000 to 60,000 UGX ($8 to $16)
- Kabale to Bwindi (Buhoma): 120,000 to 200,000 UGX ($33 to $55)
- Kisoro town to Mgahinga park gate: 40,000 to 70,000 UGX ($11 to $19)
Prices are higher at night and on weekends. Carrying luggage does not typically change the price but very heavy or bulky loads sometimes prompt a small surcharge. Confirm this before loading.
Apps and Pre-Booked Taxis
Uber operates in Kampala in 2027 and provides an alternative to street-negotiated special hires. Bolt (formerly Taxify) is also active in the capital. Both apps give upfront pricing and remove the negotiation process, which many visitors prefer. Coverage outside Kampala is limited — in smaller towns, street negotiation remains the norm. SafeBoda is a motorcycle taxi app that operates in Kampala for boda rides with app-based pricing. Using apps in the capital is a reliable and hassle-free option for visitors comfortable with ride-hailing platforms.
Safety Tips
Agree the price before getting in and confirm the destination is understood. Have the address written in a note on your phone or paper — many drivers do not know building names but recognize street addresses or nearby landmarks. Do not flash large amounts of cash when paying. At night, prefer a hotel-recommended driver over a random street approach. Ask your lodge or hotel for their trusted driver contacts when you need a special hire — they maintain relationships with reliable operators for exactly this reason.
Special hire taxis in 2027 are a safe, convenient, and affordable way to move around Uganda. Once you understand the negotiation rhythm and know the ballpark fares, hiring them becomes second nature and opens up independent movement that enhances any safari itinerary.
