Dispute over revenue collection disrupts operations at Lira bus park

6 May 2026, 4:15 pm

By Winnie Auma

A conflict has erupted between stage leaders and drivers at Lira Bus Park over the collection and management of revenue, raising concerns about operations at one of the city’s busiest transport hubs.The disagreement was highlighted in a letter dated April 27, 2026, by the leadership of the Lira Urban Transporters SACCO to Lira City Council.

The SACCO alleged that drivers from various stages had recently stopped remitting parking fees, leading to significant financial losses.

In response, Lira City Council convened a meeting bringing together stage leaders and three associations responsible for revenue collection at the park ; Lira Urban Transporters SACCO, KUC Alwak Taxi Operators, and Lira Municipal Taxi Operators to resolve the standoff.

Bonny Otim, the Secretary of Lira Urban Transporters SACCO, expressed frustration, noting that the SACCO had not received any remittances from stage leaders for the past five days.

Meanwhile, Mustafa Okodi, Chairperson of Alwak Lira Taxi Owners, criticized the ongoing confusion and suggested that the revenue collection contract be handed over to other capable parties if the current disagreements persist.

Speaking to our reporter, the Principal Revenue Officer for Lira City, Nelson Okello, explained that the City Council had awarded the three associations contracts to manage revenue collection at the bus park on a rotational basis, each for three months at a fee of seven million shillings.

However, Okello revealed that the associations had entered internal agreements with stage leaders to share revenue, allocating 400,000 shillings per quarter. He noted that KUC Alwak reportedly defaulted on this arrangement, triggering the current dispute, with stage leaders now seeking to take over revenue collection.

To restore order, the meeting resolved that stage leaders should allow the current contract to run its course until June. They were advised to formally bid for the next financial year 2026/2027 contract through the established procedures, as authorities work to stabilize operations at the park.