By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
The feud between Mbale City Council and Taxi drivers over street parking has taken a new twist with security forces firing teargas to remove the Taxis from City Streets.
This happened on Friday, 11th April, 2025 when a joint force of Police and UPDF fired tear gas and live bullets to disperse defiant taxi operators operating along Kumi -Soroti road who had refused to leave streets and park their vehicles in gazetted taxi parks.
During the fracas, several taxi drivers and police officers sustained injuries.
The joint security forces from the police and UPDF, clashed with taxi drivers operating along Soroti and Pallisa roads.
At least six drivers were arrested, and 12 number plates were removed from their vehicles during an operation.
Heavy security deployed at both Pallisa and Kumi roads to stop taxi operators from conducting their usual business along the two roads.
According to the taxi drivers, they had agreed with the city council to relocate to the Kumi Road taxi park, on the condition that lorries are first removed from the park.
Idd Subira, Chairman of the Soroti-Lira stage, says that, “The city council is telling us to move to a park already occupied by Lorries, fuso trucks, and now tippers, tukutukus. We cannot operate in a park that’s like a market. We asked them to first remove the lorries, renovate the park, install solar lights, improve the toilets, and level the ground. Then we would be willing to relocate.”
He added that they were surprised by the use of teargas without any prior dialogue or communication from the authorities, arresting six of our colleagues and removing number plates from 12 taxis.
“We have bank loans and debts from Indian lenders. Taxes are also high. We appeal for government intervention,” Subira said.
Ssefuma Muhammed another taxi driver and chairman of the Sironko stage, said, “The way we are being treated in Mbale is like we are rebels.
“The town clerk told us to leave the streets and move into the park which we agree, but now they want taxis, lorries, and trucks all to operate from one place. That can’t work. He didn’t tell us where to take our vehicles maybe he doesn’t want taxis in Mbale at all.” He stated.
Muhammed Balamyi, Chairman of the Soroti Road Market, also called for dialogue, saying the city council should have called everyone involved and issued clear instructions in writing.
Kakai khariate the deputy Mayor of Mbale city says that they are currently removing garbage at Kumi road market to create more space for lorries such that Taxis can have space too.
