Drivers call for more consultations on new taxi regulations

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Taxi drivers say there is a need for the Government to undertake more consultations and sensitisation before eliminating individual operators managing public service vehicles (PSVs), including taxis and buses, in favour of organised associations or SACCOS. 

On Monday, transport state minister Fred Byamukama made the announcement during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala. He said the move is aimed at streamlining public transport, particularly in Kampala and upcountry towns.

“We want drivers to operate taxis under an association and not as individuals operating in a particular stage. This is aimed at having an organised transport industry as is done globally,” Byamukama said.

Explaining about the new taxi operations, the commissioner of transport regulation and safety at the works and transport ministry, Winstone Katushabe, told journalists that the government’s plan is not to allow an individual to operate a taxi but it should be either under an association of drivers or Saving Credit Co-operation organisations (SACCOS).

“The plan is no longer operating a taxi as an individual but operating under a SACCO or an association to remove cut throat competition because they (taxi drivers) don’t have a scheduled timetable,” Katushabe said. 

Katushabe pointed out that the new taxi operation guidelines will promote the safety of taxi drivers as they will not be fighting for a particular taxi stage but will work in turns as some will rest to wait for their time schedule.

He explained that the new taxi operations under an association or SACCO will give taxi drivers an added advantage as they would leverage capital and risks are spread out, allowing them to order many taxis without difficulty and can easily settle debts incurred.

“It’s the best way to regulate the taxi industry and enhance economic growth, moving away from competition on the road for passengers, and these are the best practices around the globe,” Katushabe said.

Drivers speak out



New Vision visited some taxi stages on May 14, 2025, and conducted a mini survey

Abdu Nasir Ssettala, the chairperson of Jinja B Coaster Stage, faulted the Government for allowing taxi drivers to board passengers on the streets instead of the gazetted areas.

“The Government must sort the drivers who have refused to park in the gazetted stages like New Taxi and Old Taxi parks first; they board passengers on the streets of Kampala, otherwise the regulation will not work,” Ssettala said.

He pointed out that the Government should rein on another power agency: The Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF) who have monopolised the taxi business and doesn’t want to work with other taxi operators.

He said his taxi drivers already have an association, however, his group met with the ministries of works, local government and the Kampala affairs and didn’t yield fruits, which is why he is insisting that there is a need to have more consultations.

Ssettala welcomed the Government’s regulation, saying taxi drivers should be sensitised first.

Asuman Segujja, who operates at the Constitutional Square stage, also wondered whether the Government will be able to enforce new regulations given the fact that many of the taxis in the country are owned by government officials.

“When a driver is arrested by the traffic Police, some government officials call and ensure the impounded taxi is released without paying a fine,” Segujja said.

He said, let the status quo remain.

Moses Musamali, who operates at the Lugazi stage in the Old Taxi Park, said the SACCO arrangement would not work because of corruption.

Twahab Nkulu, a driver operating at Busia stage, echoed the same sentiments, calling on the Government to consult the drivers before implementing its plan.