Taxi drivers urged to avoid shortcuts during heavy rains

22 October 2026, 10:47 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Taxi drivers, particularly those operating public transport, have been urged to avoid shortcuts during the ongoing rains to reduce the risk of accidents and other weather-related challenges.

The warning comes as Uganda continues to experience changing weather conditions in various parts of the country, prompting the government to begin implementing a programme to relocate some communities in Eastern Uganda affected by the rains.

Speaking to journalists yesterday, the Vice Chairman of the New Taxi Park and a leader in the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF), Robert Sekitoreko, said taxi drivers were more likely to use shortcuts in an attempt to deliver passengers to their destinations on time.

Sekitoreko cautioned that using such routes during heavy rains could expose drivers and passengers to unnecessary risks.

“I want to put it on record that our taxi drivers are known to use shortcuts more than other drivers. This is because of the need to drop our passengers at their final destinations on time. When you assess it, it is not bad. However, due to the current weather changes, I would like to appeal to them to desist from using such roads. This does not benefit us only, but our passengers as well. We advise passengers not to force our drivers to use shortcuts. I thank the government for the ongoing road rehabilitation and construction,” he said.

He added that taxi operators prioritise the safety of everyone on board.

Sekitoreko also reminded passengers who had lost or forgotten their luggage at the New Taxi Park to visit the park’s office to check whether their belongings had been recovered.

However, he urged anyone claiming lost property to provide evidence of ownership to prevent other people from falsely claiming the luggage.

“As I wind up, I want to remind our passengers who lost or forgot any luggage after boarding from the New Taxi Park to come and check with us. Since there are people who can misuse this opportunity, please come with proof that the luggage belongs to you,” he said.