Taxi operators call for structured parking plan after KCCA clears street vendors

2 March 2026, 6:20 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following the recent removal of street vendors by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), leaders in various sectors have shared their views on what should be done to ensure that trade order in the city is fully implemented and sustained.

The Treasurer of the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF), William Katumba, has urged KCCA to first create holding spaces for taxis operating on ungazetted stages before enforcing stricter measures.

Katumba explained that taxis without designated stages should be provided with temporary parking areas where they can wait as space becomes available in gazetted taxi parks.

“I want to urge the leadership of KCCA to put more emphasis on creating holding places. These areas can accommodate taxis as they wait for space in the main parks,” he said. “However, this requires maximum discipline and cooperation among all stakeholders.”

He further noted that taxi operators have repeatedly requested the government to renovate Usafi Taxi Park, arguing that its improvement would ease congestion in other parks and accommodate more taxis.

“We believe that if Usafi Taxi Park is renovated, many taxis will relocate there. If we are to clear ungazetted stages, it must be done carefully because these operators play a significant role in the transport system,” Katumba added.

Similarly, UTOF Deputy Chairman in charge of Administration, Mayambala Mustafa, called on KCCA to engage taxi operators in all decisions affecting their operations.

“I am very sure that KCCA has done commendable work, and we appreciate it. However, we urge them to understand our concerns and involve us in the planning process,” he said.

Mayambala suggested that if KCCA is considering creating evening and Sunday markets for vendors who pay minimal taxes, authorities should also consider allowing limited taxi operations along certain roads.

“Remember, the gazetted parks where they want taxis to operate from have limited space, in fact, most are already full,” he explained.

The taxi operators emphasized the need for dialogue and structured planning to ensure that efforts to restore order in Kampala do not disrupt the city’s transport system. They maintained that collaboration between KCCA and stakeholders is essential for sustainable urban management.