Audit ousts Bushenyi taxi leaders over missing sh184m

BUSHENYI - The leadership of Bushenyi Taxi Operators Cooperative Union Limited has been voted out following an audit report that revealed the misappropriation of more than sh184m.

The decision was reached during a meeting held at Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipal Hall on March 3, 2026. The meeting was attended by members, municipal authorities and officials from the Registry of Cooperatives under the Ministry of Trade.

The audit, conducted by Dickson Gambamaziima of Dickson Associates, uncovered what he described as financial mismanagement and a lack of accountability.

“We got challenges during the audit because the former leadership was not transparent. They told us their offices had been burnt and that some receipts and bank statements were lost, which made the exercise difficult,” Gambamaziima said.

He added that the association lacked proper bank statements for withdrawals and deposits and had no governing policies in place.

“From the few records we accessed dating back to 2021, we established that sh184m was unaccounted for. The incoming leaders must ensure accountability because members are demanding answers,” he said.

The former executive was led by chairman Arthur Mucunguzi and Muhammed Lukwago.

The Bushenyi-Ishaka municipal commercial officer, Agrrey Ategyeka, confirmed that the old executive was forced to step aside to pave the way for fresh elections in line with directives from the Ministry of Trade.

“The audit report showed that the former leaders misappropriated money, so they had to step aside. Members have now elected new leaders who will work with the municipality to ensure compliance with cooperative regulations,” Ategyeka said.

He warned that the former leaders remain liable for the missing funds and risk criminal prosecution if they fail to refund the money.

“It is upon the members to decide whether to go to court or report the matter to police. There are several avenues available to ensure the money is recovered,” he said.

Members speak out

The revelations have sparked outrage among drivers and conductors. Naboth Mujuni, a driver, accused the former leaders of betraying members’ trust.

“We have been contributing money since 2021, but have never received any accountability. They told us they bought a drone taxi for the association, but it has never earned us dividends,” Mujuni said.

John Nahabwe, general secretary of the Ishaka-Kasese stage, said members sought the intervention of the resident district commissioner (RDC) and businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba to secure an independent auditor from the Ministry of Trade.

Bushenyi taxi drivers showing placards as they cried for justice during the meeting with Municipal officials.(Credit: Bruno Mugizi

“We formed a welfare association and started saving, but we never received accountability. With guidance from Basajjabalaba and support from the RDC’s office, we were able to get an auditor who exposed the mismanagement,” Nahabwe said.

He said members plan to petition the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to recover the funds.

“Our next step is to pursue this matter with the Anti-Corruption Unit until the money is recovered,” he said.

Johnson Ayebazibwe, a driver at the Bushenyi-Ishaka stage, said members contribute Shs2,000 daily from each of the more than 100 taxis operating in the municipality.

“We spend long hours on the road, contributing our savings with hope for support during sickness or old age. sh184m is our sweat and blood,” he said.

Andrew Nuwahereza, a welfare member, questioned how such funds could be lost while association property, including a van, was neglected.

New leadership

The newly elected chairperson, Yasin Kyoota, said the new executive has already begun reforms.

On his first day in office, Kyoota oversaw the release of an association van that had been impounded at a police station for three months.

“These drivers earn little, yet a few individuals shared Shs184m of their savings. We are reporting the matter to police and will pursue it up to the Anti-Corruption Court until every shilling is recovered,” Kyoota said.

He alleged that the former leadership collected sh2,000 daily from each of the more than 100 taxis operating in the municipality, suggesting that total collections could have exceeded sh200m, although the audit confirmed sh184m as unaccounted for.

“We will not accept this loss. Those responsible must refund the money,” Kyoota said.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the former leaders were unsuccessful by press time, as they could not be reached by phone.