By David Imaa
TORORO
Licensed taxi drivers from Malaba and Tororo districts have raised alarm over the increasing number of trailers, units, and canters carrying passengers from illegal stages, saying the practice is killing their business and posing security risks.
The drivers, who met with local leaders this week, accused the unregulated vehicles of charging fares far below the official rates, making it impossible for PSV operators to compete.
“We are about to lose our jobs”
Kanyoli Silver, a driver on the Malaba–Kampala route, said licensed taxis are being undercut because they pay PSV license fees, insurance, and local service tax.
“These vehicles pay very little yet they carry passengers on illegal stages. They charge as low as 10,000 UGX to Kampala yet for us we charge 25,000 UGX. We are employees. We are about to lose our jobs,” Kanyoli said.
“From Malaba to Kampala we load only two taxis the whole day. It’s not practical to support our stage sustainability.”
Emyooga funds concerns
Berekiah Emoit, Chairperson of Malaba Drivers and Conductors SACCO, also raised concerns over the distribution of government support.
He said some groups are benefiting from Emyooga funds given to SACCOs by government, while PSV drivers who remit taxes and follow regulations are being left behind.
Security concerns raised
David Madoi, another driver, flagged what he called a national security threat. He alleged that Kenyan-registered vehicles are transporting non-citizens from Malaba, Kenya up to Rock Hotel in Tororo.
He also pointed to “unit cars without number plates” operating along Busia Road and using Rock Hotel as an unofficial stage.
“These vehicles avoid public means which are stopped and verified at different security checkpoints. We don’t know who is inside. It raises issues of national security,” Madoi said.
He called on Hajji Sadik Bategana, the Resident District Commissioner of Tororo, to intervene.
Emolot David told the RDC that they had already reported the matter to traffic officers but received no support.
“Our last resort is the RDC,” he said.
Authorities respond
Sam Musiwa, the District Internal Security Officer, suggested the removal of all illegal stages as one way to address the problem.
In response, RDC Hajji Sadik Bategana promised to convene a meeting bringing together the Mayors of Malaba and Tororo Municipalities, two representatives from the drivers, town clerks from the affected entities, and the taxi drivers’ leadership to find a lasting solution.
The RDC said the meeting will address both the economic concerns of PSV operators and the security gaps raised by drivers.
Transport operators now await action, saying without urgent enforcement, more licensed taxis will be forced out of business.
