UTOF denies plans to replace taxis with buses

19 December 2025, 2:17 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Chairman of the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF), Rashid Sekindi, has dismissed allegations that the federation plans to replace passenger taxis with buses as a means of public transport.

Sekindi made the clarification yesterday while addressing the media at UTOF headquarters in Kampala. He described the claims as false and misleading, noting that some of the people spreading the allegations are taxi drivers who do not possess passports and are therefore unable to benefit from the ongoing opportunity to travel to Dubai for benchmarking. UTOF management has been asking taxi drivers with valid passports to submit them in preparation for the trip.

Sekindi confirmed that it is not true that UTOF is taking taxi drivers to Dubai to negotiate with partners to import buses into Uganda. He explained that the purpose of the trip is to expose taxi drivers to how the transport sector operates abroad and to help them gain experience. He added that those making such claims may be drivers who do not have passports, yet the journey was organized by UTOF and its partner, Spiro, and was open to all taxi drivers who met the requirements.

The delegation is expected to travel on 8 January 2026 and return on 12 January 2026, ahead of the general elections scheduled for 15 January 2026. Sekindi also cited examples of buses currently operating in the country, clarifying that they were not introduced by UTOF.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Namayiba Taxi Park, Faizo Lule Sebirumbi, urged drivers to exercise maximum caution during the festive season. He warned that there are people on the roads without valid driving licences and others driving under the influence of alcohol. He encouraged drivers to ensure they have all the required permits and assured the public that taxi fares have not been increased. He also advised passengers to travel early to avoid avoidable challenges.

In a related development, the Manager of Taus Bus, Juma Mugorozi, raised concerns about fraudsters who divert passengers and extort money while pretending to be bus operators in Kampala. Mugorozi made the remarks while delivering his Christmas message and urged passengers to remain vigilant. He said the company is facing a challenge with conmen who forge receipts of different bus companies and collect money from passengers searching for bus locations.

Mugorozi noted that the matter had been reported to Kampala Capital City Authority, but no positive response had yet been received. He appealed to the government for intervention and confirmed that Taus Bus has not increased transport fares. He also revealed plans to open new routes, including the Hoima Road route, and wished passengers a Merry Christmas and a happy 2026.