Taxi operators protest lack of consultation on Kampala E-Bus rollout

5 May 2026, 10:49 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following the operational launch of e-buses in Kampala last week, leaders from the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF) have expressed concern over their exclusion from the process.

In an exclusive interview held yesterday in Kampala, UTOF Vice Chairman for Administration, Mayambala Mustafa, said the federation was not consulted by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), despite being key stakeholders in the transport sector that employs thousands of Ugandans, especially the youth.

“We are not happy with how the KCCA Executive Director, Madam Sharifa Buzeki, has handled this issue. Hiding behind an air pollution campaign to take away our job of transporting people is something we will not accept,” he said.

Mayambala added that if there was a need for Kiira Motors to conduct a pilot study on various routes in Kampala, taxi operators should have been the first to be consulted due to their long-standing experience in the sector.

“If KCCA wants to resolve this matter, they should engage us. Whenever they need us to carry out certain work, they call upon us. But now that it appears profitable, they have sidelined us. That is wrong, and we do not agree with it,” he stated.

He further called on the Executive Director to involve taxi operators, noting that their leaders are present on the routes where the buses have been deployed and could provide valuable insight.

“This exclusion will affect our members and may cause problems. We are not enemies of KCCA; in fact, we have been working well together,” he emphasized.

Mayambala also confirmed that UTOF is working to address the issue of old taxis, in line with guidance from the Minister of State for Works and Transport, Fred Byabakama.

On the issue of rising taxi fares due to increased fuel prices, UTOF leaders said fares have not yet been adjusted. However, they noted that a detailed statement on the matter will be released soon.

It should be noted that fuel prices at several stations have risen since the end of last month due to supply shortages.