By Dean Lubowa Saava
Leaders of the Uganda Tax Operators Federation (UTOF) recently stormed Gen Salim Saleh’s Gulu residence, seeking his intervention to save their jobs amid threats from Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama. The minister had announced plans to streamline public transport nationwide, including banning old taxis and buses from operating on Uganda’s roads.
UTOF, led by national chairperson Rashid Ssekindi, strongly protested the minister’s plan, prompting Byamukama to assure them that they are not recognized by the government. The taxi drivers fear that the government plans to take over their jobs by partnering with big companies that will bring buses and other commune taxis in good condition to run public transportation businesses.
A delegation of taxi drivers, including Ssekindi and vice chairperson Mustafa Mayambala, met with Gen Saleh two weeks ago, pleading for his intervention to tame Minister Byamukama. They argued that they had tried to talk to Senior Works and Transport Minister Gen Edward Katumba Wamala but were not helped.
The drivers also presented a proposal to Gen Saleh, seeking to connect with microfinance institutions and cooperatives to borrow billions of shillings to modernize and upgrade their jobs. They revealed that they are negotiating with a Japanese company to acquire communal buses, which they will pay for in installments, with each bus costing between Shs 180-200 million.
However, Gen Saleh expressed displeasure with the taxi drivers’ leaders, accusing them of mistreating and mismanaging taxi drivers and conductors. He also criticized them for using security and government bosses to block their organization’s elections.
Ssekindi explained that the issue with taxi conductors is that they want to vote and contest for leadership positions, despite the constitution only allowing drivers with driving permits. He promised that they are working to harmonize these issues and elect new leaders.
Regarding allegations of mistreating drivers, Ssekindi explained that their actions were aimed at instilling discipline among taxi drivers and conductors. Despite the explanations, Gen Saleh concluded the meeting without assuring them of his support, although he promised to talk to stakeholders to explore ways to help them.
Sources revealed that leaders in the Ministry of Works and Transport and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) are tired of Mayambala and Ssekindi due to allegations of mistreating fellow drivers and conductors, as well as corruption practices. They plan to involve the Inspector General of Government, Beti Namisango Kamya, to investigate the duo and potentially prosecute them if evidence is found.
