By KT Reporter
A section of Kampala taxi drivers is demanding the resignation of the leadership of the Uganda Federation of Taxi Operators (UTOF), accusing its top officials of illegally extending their term in office and failing to fulfill key promises made at the federation’s inception.
UTOF was established in 2021 following a directive from the Ministry of Works and Transport that ordered the merger of multiple taxi operator factions, including KOTSA, UTRADA, UTODA, and Inter-Tax, to streamline taxi operations under a single umbrella.
However, four years into its formation, internal disputes have re-emerged. Sadati Ssemwanje, the chairperson of Kawempe taxi drivers, is leading the charge against the current leadership headed by Rashid Ssekindi. He accuses Ssekindi’s team of clinging to power beyond the two-year term agreed upon in the federation’s original memorandum of understanding.
Ssemwanje said they had agreed that each organization would have the opportunity to be elected into leadership after two years, but Ssekindi’s team from KOTSA wanted to cling to power, which he said they could not accept. He vowed that if they do not step down, they will be forced out. Ssemwanje also accused UTOF leaders of failing to deliver on their promises, including the registration of all taxis and the creation of a governing industry constitution.
Frank Ssemakadde, who heads the Jinja stage in the New Taxi Park, echoed these concerns. He said the current leadership has become oppressive, imposing exorbitant fees and resorting to arrests over minor infractions, which has discouraged many drivers from continuing in the business.
Rashid Luman, a taxi driver from Bwaise, also demanded fresh leadership, noting that the current team’s term had already expired.
However, UTOF Chairperson Rashid Ssekindi dismissed the allegations, describing the disgruntled drivers as ungrateful and power-hungry individuals soliciting money from their colleagues.
Ssekindi further refuted claims that his term had expired, citing a newly adopted constitution which provides for a five-year leadership term. He advised the drivers to seek clarification about the new constitution and how leadership changes will be handled.
According to him, the constitution was agreed upon by chairpersons from all associations. Despite his defense, pressure continues to mount as drivers accuse the federation’s leadership of mismanagement, high-handedness, and failure to address the sector’s long-standing challenges-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
