Police on alert as taxi drivers declare strike
SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 11 JULY 2011
Drivers and conductors of public service vehicles last evening confirmed their planned two-days’ strike will start this morning to show displeasure on what they described as inhuman treatment by their umbrella body – the Uganda Taxi Operators and Drivers Association (Utoda).The development leaves public transport in the city and its environs in balance and if effected could severely paralyse transport in the central business district and Utoda could lose Shs50m in revenue.Although Utoda claims it has greatly transformed public transport and improved the welfare of its members, discontented drivers under the Drivers and Conductors Association (DACCA) insists the latter’s style of operation has been benefiting a clique of people.The group accuses Utoda of continued harassment and charging exorbitant illegal loading and un-receipted welfare fees whose accountability cannot be traced. However, Mr Chris Sengooba, the Utoda deputy chairman, yesterday said DACCA has no control over the taxi business. “Those are just rogues who have a sinister motive to cause chaos in the city. But we have already informed Police and they are ready deal with them,” he said.In their response, the DACCA chairperson, Mr Mustafa Mayambala, said; “We are not making mere threats but we mean what we are saying. We are fed up of Utoda harassment and tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday we shall not work if something is not done.” He said they want the illegal fees suspended and for Utoda to work out modalities to streamline revenue collection in the parks. “We want to see changes in the way drivers are handled and revenue is collected,” Mr Mayamba added.By press time last evening, security officers in the city were still locked up in a meeting to ensure today’s sit-down strike does not turn violent. “We we are not taking the threats lightly,” said Mr Ibin Ssenkumbi, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson.Each taxi leaving the Old or New taxi park, both managed by Utoda pays Shs4,500 daily and Shs20,000 monthly. However, the same taxi pays un-receipted fees of between Shs1,000 and Shs40,000 depending on the route, which supposedly caters for the drivers’ welfare. DACCA also claims Utoda impounds vehicles of drivers who resist paying fees and arrests drivers before taking them to unknown places.Mr Sengooba said the un-receipted dues like welfare fees benefits drivers and conductors when they lose their loved ones or they fall sick. But Mr Oscar Samula, a driver at Zaana Stage in Old Taxi Park, denies: “That is a lie! A few who benefit are those who are well-connected with Utoda executive but majority receive nothing.”The protest from the drivers comes days after city Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago called for an audit of the taxi business in Kampala and accused Utoda of exploiting its members. He said the taxi body has no running contract to manage city public transport and should be subjected to fresh bidding.However, City Executive Director Jennifer Musisi says Utoda hasa valid contract with KCCA running for the next three years. She said reviewing contracts doesn’t fall under Mr Lukwago’s docket.
SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 11 JULY 2011
Drivers and conductors of public service vehicles last evening confirmed their planned two-days’ strike will start this morning to show displeasure on what they described as inhuman treatment by their umbrella body – the Uganda Taxi Operators and Drivers Association (Utoda).
The development leaves public transport in the city and its environs in balance and if effected could severely paralyse transport in the central business district and Utoda could lose Shs50m in revenue.
Although Utoda claims it has greatly transformed public transport and improved the welfare of its members, discontented drivers under the Drivers and Conductors Association (DACCA) insists the latter’s style of operation has been benefiting a clique of people.
The group accuses Utoda of continued harassment and charging exorbitant illegal loading and un-receipted welfare fees whose accountability cannot be traced. However, Mr Chris Sengooba, the Utoda deputy chairman, yesterday said DACCA has no control over the taxi business. “Those are just rogues who have a sinister motive to cause chaos in the city. But we have already informed Police and they are ready deal with them,” he said.
In their response, the DACCA chairperson, Mr Mustafa Mayambala, said; “We are not making mere threats but we mean what we are saying. We are fed up of Utoda harassment and tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday we shall not work if something is not done.” He said they want the illegal fees suspended and for Utoda to work out modalities to streamline revenue collection in the parks. “We want to see changes in the way drivers are handled and revenue is collected,” Mr Mayamba added.
By press time last evening, security officers in the city were still locked up in a meeting to ensure today’s sit-down strike does not turn violent. “We we are not taking the threats lightly,” said Mr Ibin Ssenkumbi, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson.
Each taxi leaving the Old or New taxi park, both managed by Utoda pays Shs4,500 daily and Shs20,000 monthly. However, the same taxi pays un-receipted fees of between Shs1,000 and Shs40,000 depending on the route, which supposedly caters for the drivers’ welfare. DACCA also claims Utoda impounds vehicles of drivers who resist paying fees and arrests drivers before taking them to unknown places.
Mr Sengooba said the un-receipted dues like welfare fees benefits drivers and conductors when they lose their loved ones or they fall sick. But Mr Oscar Samula, a driver at Zaana Stage in Old Taxi Park, denies: “That is a lie! A few who benefit are those who are well-connected with Utoda executive but majority receive nothing.”
The protest from the drivers comes days after city Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago called for an audit of the taxi business in Kampala and accused Utoda of exploiting its members. He said the taxi body has no running contract to manage city public transport and should be subjected to fresh bidding.
However, City Executive Director Jennifer Musisi says Utoda hasa valid contract with KCCA running for the next three years. She said reviewing contracts doesn’t fall under Mr Lukwago’s docket.
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