Lira City East tipper drivers protest revenue collection

22 August 2026, 6:48 am

By Winnie Auma

A section of tipper drivers who transport sand, bricks and gravel in Lira City East Division have protested the ongoing collection of a two-thousand-shilling revenue per truck, saying they were not properly informed about the tax.

Tonny Okuk, the chairperson of the Tipper Drivers Association in Ayago Ward, says drivers have been paying the money to Lira City Council without clear information about who introduced the tax, how it is collected and where the money goes.

Speaking after a meeting with the affected drivers at Golden City Bar in Lira City East Division on Friday 21/08/2026, Okuk said the drivers unanimously agreed to stop paying the money until city authorities explain the revenue collection.Some drivers also questioned the authenticity of the receipts issued to them, saying although they bear the name Lira City Council, they are not stamped, raising concerns about accountability.

The drivers say they will only resume payment after relevant authorities meet them to explain the new revenue, why it was introduced and the proper procedures for its collection.

Charles Opio Olol, the Lira City East Division councillor representing the division at Lira City Council, says he started investigating the matter after receiving several complaints from drivers.

Olol says his findings indicate that Lira City Council has not officially approved the tax, adding that collecting the money in cash instead of using the IRAS system makes it difficult to account for the revenue.

Santa Angella, the woman councillor for Lira City East A, has also expressed concern that political leaders in the division were not informed about the revenue collection.She has called for better coordination between technical staff and political leaders to promote transparency and accountability.

Robert Dalton Aryam, the councillor for Atego Ward, fears the unclear revenue collection could lead to the misuse of taxpayers’ money due to the lack of clear records.

However, the Town Clerk for Lira City East Division says the city authorities are aware of the revenue and that its collection is still under a trial process, which may be subject to changes.He also says some drivers were briefed about the new revenue and has promised to organise another meeting to sensitise them further and address their concerns.Komakec says although some drivers may have raised concerns over the way the revenue collection was introduced, authorities are committed to organising another meeting to explain the matter and find a lasting solution.