UTOF chairman urges taxi drivers to avoid violence ahead of elections

4 December 2025, 11:11 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Chairman of the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF), Hajji Rashid Sekindi, has urged taxi drivers across the country to reject violence during and after the upcoming elections. His remarks follow reports that some individuals are planning to engage in violence if the Electoral Commission Chairman, Justice Simon Byabakama, does not announce their preferred candidate as the winner.

Sekindi made the appeal while addressing taxi drivers at the Ndejje–Namasuba Stage Kanaaba in Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District, as they adopted their new constitution on Monday.

“I know some of you taxi drivers may act as informers, but let us focus on our responsibility—vote for the candidate you support and then wait for the Electoral Commission to announce the winner. I urge you not to participate in violence. We do not want to see riots like those that recently occurred in Tanzania, where people lost their lives,” he said.

He also reminded the drivers that President Museveni has made significant contributions to the taxi sector, encouraging them to support him if they wish to continue benefiting from government programmes.

During the adoption of the drafted constitution, 89 drivers voted in favour, six opposed, and none abstained. Supporters of the constitution said the current leadership has achieved more in a short period compared to the previous committee. Among the achievements highlighted by the stage secretary, Kiggwe Vianey, were securing park land, helping members obtain driving permits, and saving over UGX 30 million.

The current eight-member leadership will continue to serve for the next five years. However, members who violate stage regulations can be replaced, as provided for in the constitution.
Also in attendance were the Vice Chairman in charge of Administration, Mayambala Mustafa, Chief Abiyora, and other leaders. They pledged to address challenges facing drivers, including frequent arrests along Nakivubo Blue without clear reasons.

Drivers were also reminded to apply for the 100 available scholarship slots offered by Clarke International University. Additionally, they were encouraged to start saving with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), which has introduced a special arrangement allowing them to access benefits earlier than the standard age.

UTOF leadership also revealed plans to take taxi drivers to Dubai in January next year for a benchmarking visit.