Embrace unity and togetherness – UTOF chairman to Lukuli Nanganda stage members

17 May 2025, 12:06 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following disagreements among the leadership of Lukuli Nanganda stage at the old taxi park, the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF) held a meeting yesterday at their headquarters in Kampala with some members from Lukuli Nanganda stage to find solutions to their ongoing challenges. The meeting was chaired by the Federation Chairman, Rashid Sekindi, and attended by other leaders including UTOF Vice Chairman in charge of Administration, Mayambala Mustafa; UTOF Electoral Commission member, Twaha Mukwaya; aspiring leaders from Lukuli Nanganda stage; a representative from Kampala Capital City Authority; and other members of Lukuli Nanganda stage. In his remarks, the Chairman urged members to embrace unity and togetherness.

“We held a meeting with members of Lukuli Nanganda stage because we have been receiving numerous complaints regarding their leadership. There have been misunderstandings among the members, so we decided to prepare for elections. However, before proceeding, we needed to draft a document that will serve as a Constitution for them to follow. We have agreed that elections will take place once the necessary procedures have been completed. On that note, I appeal to the members of Lukuli Nanganda stage to unite and make every effort to work together as one. Kampala has over 200 stages, but I have never encountered difficulties like those at Lukuli Nanganda stage. The level of disunity is regrettably very high,” he said.

The chairman also warned that without unity, forthcoming regulations proposed by the Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, could severely impact them. “While I agree with the Minister on some points, I believe some of these regulations have been introduced in bad faith,” Sekindi added. Earlier this week, the Minister, speaking at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, confirmed plans to enforce new regulations, including converting stages into associations, among others. These proposals have been met with resistance from many drivers, who argue that implementation would be difficult. Sekindi emphasised that disunity in the transport sector would only worsen the impact of such regulations.

Regarding the Lukuli Nanganda stage meeting with UTOF leadership, it was agreed that voting will take place on 2 June 2025 by secret ballot. “We decided to use a secret ballot system, although some preferred voting by lining up. Due to past behaviours, we could not risk that method. They also wanted to vote within Lukuli Nanganda, but we declined, again because of their conduct. To avoid confusion and prevent unauthorised voting, we decided to hold the election at Nalubwama Arcade, where security will be provided,” Sekindi explained.

Additionally, Twaha Mukwaya, a member of the UTOF Electoral Commission, outlined the voting process. “Next Tuesday, those wishing to participate in the elections should come forward to register. The requirements are: Ugandan citizenship, a valid driving licence permitting carriage of passengers, membership of Lukuli Nanganda stage, and a national identity card. Candidates for various positions must be seconded by three members of the stage. Registration will be open from 26 to 29 May. Voting will then take place on 2 June 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM,” he said.

Although the voting is by secret ballot, there remains a possibility that some members may offer monetary incentives. However, Mukwaya declined to comment further on this issue.