Uber driver Julius Mugabo wins judicial review over TfL licence delay
High Court finds Transport for London failed to meet its own standards, after the driver’s tax bill rose to £20,000 and his home was threatened.
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A High Court ruling on 31 August 2026 granted Uber driver Julius Mugabo a full judicial review of Transport for London’s handling of his private‑hire licence renewal, finding the delay caused immediate and serious consequences for him and his family. The court noted that TfL’s processing of the application fell short of its normal standards, as reported by the Guardian.
Background to the dispute
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Mugabo, 55, has been licensed by TfL since 2016. Under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998, drivers must hold a current licence to operate legally. He submitted a routine renewal at the end of 2025, but TfL repeatedly asked for documents he had already supplied, delaying the renewal until after his licence expired at the end of March 2026. The Guardian reported that approximately 100,000 private‑hire drivers work in London, and freedom‑of‑information data obtained by the Conservatives show almost 18,000 received goodwill payments of £300‑£500 because of similar delays.
Mugabo said the delay forced him into debt. He owed HMRC £3,000 in tax, but because he could not pay on time the amount rose to £20,000 after interest accrued. He also faced a threatened eviction after falling behind on rent. “Even if TfL delay renewing licences, drivers like me still have to eat and pay bills,” he told the Guardian.
Union backs the challenge
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The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) is supporting Mugabo’s case. President Alex Marshall told the Guardian that many of the union’s members have been pushed into debt, lost their cars or faced eviction because of TfL’s processing delays. He said the ruling sends a clear message that drivers will not be taken for a ride.
Because of all the pain I have been through, I am bringing this legal challenge to help other drivers.
Julius Mugabo, Uber driver
What happens next
TfL confirmed it is aware of the judicial review claim and is awaiting the date of the hearing, as stated in a TfL spokesperson comment to the Guardian. The case will proceed to a full hearing where the court will decide whether TfL must change its licence processing arrangements and whether compensation is due to Mugabo. Drivers and unions have been urged to monitor the proceedings and to raise any similar grievances with the IWGB, which says it will continue to press for systemic reform.
Questions this report answers
+What did the High Court decide about Julius Mugabo’s case?
The High Court granted Mugabo a full judicial review of TfL’s licence renewal delay, stating the delay caused immediate and serious consequences for him and his family. The ruling means TfL must face a hearing on its processing failures.
+How much did Mugabo’s tax bill increase because of the delay?
Mugabo’s tax bill grew from £3,000 to £20,000 after interest accrued while he could not pay on time. The increase illustrates the financial impact of the licence renewal delay on drivers.
+What is the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain’s position?
The IWGB is supporting Mugabo’s challenge, saying many of its members have suffered similar debt, loss of vehicles and eviction threats due to TfL’s delays. It calls for TfL to fix the system and will continue to advocate for drivers.
+When will the next hearing take place?
TfL has said it is awaiting the date of the hearing. No specific date has been set, and the case will move forward once the court schedules the full judicial review hearing.
News London Desk
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