Taxi operators' boss Mayambala attacked

By Jeff Andrew Lule       

Mustafa Mayambala, the chairman of Drivers and Conductors Central Association (DACCA) survived death after a group of people attacked him on his way back home.

He was rescued by passersby and rushed to Nsambya hospital by a police patrol vehicle.

The incident happened at around 7:30pm on Tuesday, along Nakivubo road.

While speaking to the New Vision, Mayambala said he was attacked by over 10 people.

"They hit me with a metal and boxed me in the chest. I made an alarm and people rushed to see what was going on. But I identified some of the attackers and I know them," he said.

He said the attackers are former workers of Taxi Parks and Stage Coordinating Committee (TAPSCOM) which was disbanded by the Police Chief, Kale Kayihura following a petition by taxi operators over extortion and mistreatment by the group.

Mayambala said the group has been fighting him under another name Kampala Operators and Taxi Drivers Association (KOTDA) since he was elected in office last year.

He identified some of the attackers as; Khalid Bbale, Isma Otema, Isma Kawoya, Geofrey Damba alias Kisanja and Michael Sekizivu.

"The case was reported at Blue Room police post. But if nothing is done, I am going to organize my people to defend ourselves before we get killed," he said.

The officer in charge of police post, only identified as Okello confirmed the incident, but stressed that Mayambala could not record any statement at the time of the incident.

"He was in a bad state at the time the case was reported. We are waiting for him to record a statement and fill the form to easily help us in our investigations," he noted.

Efforts to get comment from KOTDA vice chairperson were futile as his phone was off.  

Samuel Nsubuga, an operator on Bweyogere stage, said TAPSCOM people continue to harass and extort money from taxi operators to date despite having been disbanded.

"Now we are wondering who is behind this because we already pay sh120,000 to KCCA as monthly dues," he noted.

Sharif Kizito, a driver on Luzira stage, said they smashed his side mirror when he refused to give them money.

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