Taxi drivers want dialogue with govt before PSV reforms roll out

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Taxi drivers, gripped by panic, are calling for dialogue with the Government over a proposal to phase out individually operated public service vehicles (PSVs). They argue that more consultations and sensitisation efforts should be prioritised before any policy is rolled out.

Last week, transport state minister Fred Byamukama announced a new Government regulation requiring taxi operators to work under associations or Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOS), rather than operating independently. The goal, he said, is to streamline operations in the public transport sector.

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

Explaining the new operational framework, Winstone Katushabe, the commissioner for transport regulation and safety at the works and transport ministry, told journalists that the Government’s plan is to prohibit individual taxi operations, favouring SACCOs or associations instead.

“The plan is no longer operating a taxi as an individual, but under a SACCO or association to eliminate cut-throat competition because drivers currently lack a scheduled timetable,” Katushabe said.

He noted that the new operational guidelines would improve the safety of drivers, as they would no longer have to fight for space at specific taxi stages. Instead, drivers would work in shifts, with scheduled resting periods.

Katushabe added that operating under a SACCO or association would also allow drivers to access capital more easily, mitigate risks collectively, acquire more vehicles, and better manage debt.

“It’s the best way to regulate the taxi industry and enhance economic growth, moving away from road competition for passengers. These are best practices globally,” he said.

On Monday (May 19), leaders from 18 taxi stages across Kampala, speaking at a press conference, said the Government should put the new policy on hold until all key stakeholders are consulted.

Under their umbrella association, the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF), they argued that the policy rollout, without their input, violates the principles of participatory democracy.

“UTOF argues that rolling out such policies without adequate consultation violates participatory governance and procedural fairness,” said Moses Mawejje Birungi, the federation’s spokesperson.

He added, “We support digitisation, modernisation and better transport management—but these changes must be inclusive, gradual, and responsive to the realities on the ground. Reform must not come at the cost of livelihoods.”

The federation outlined several proposals, including the immediate suspension of the policy rollout pending meaningful consultations, the creation of a nationwide stakeholder forum, and the formation of a multi-stakeholder task force to design a fair and practical transition framework.

Other proposals included Government support through financing, compliance subsidies, legal protection, and the development of a national roadmap covering timelines, digital infrastructure, enforcement measures, and a grievance redress system. They also called for UTOF’s full inclusion in all planning, discussion, and implementation stages of the reforms.

“UTOF advises that sidelining grassroots voices in the reform process risks not only economic disruption and increased poverty, but also policy failure and social unrest,” said UTOF chairman Rashid Ssekindi.

Vice chairperson Mustapha Mayambala added: “The Federation has pledged to continue engaging with government in good faith and calls on the Ministry of Works and Transport to stay the current unilateral approach and embrace inclusive policymaking. The future of Uganda's transport system must be built with the people, not against them. We are ready to cooperate for reform—but not at the expense of justice and survival."

The leaders also claimed that some government officials and politicians own fleets of taxis and accused them of pushing the new policy to give their companies an advantage in taking over taxi operations nationwide.