KAMPALA–After interacting with the commuter taxi operators at Clock Towers and Queen’s way, along Entebbe Road, President Yoweri Museveni has ordered KCCA officials to halt collecting the compulsory fees.
The Shs120,000 compulsory fees levied on commuter taxis was introduced in 2012, when government disbanded UTODA.
Through the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, the President today halted the collection of the fees as a measure to prevent clashes between the groups. He, however, advised that they should meet and discuss.
Taxi operators argue that they cannot pay the monthly fee, when the President ordered government agencies to stop levying multiple taxation on informal sector.
Demand for annual fee
They, however, want KCCA to introduce an agreed annual fee.
Taxis operators have refused to pay the monthly fee for the months of August, September and October.
But KCCA also vowed to charge them since commercial road user fees.
Besieging Museveni
Not willing to pay the fee, some taxi operators besiegeg the President at the Clock Towers yesterday, asking him why his officials, especially from KCCA were not implementing his directive.
He promised to respond to them today because he was rushing to Mbale district.
“I also want to talk to your chairman,” the President said in Luganda. Taxi operators gave him the mobile phone number of Mustafah Mayambala, the chairperson of Drivers and Conductors Central Association (DACCA).
Mayambala said they are still sticking to the directive of President.
But Kampala minister Beti Kamya and the Cabinet agreed that the drivers should continue paying taxes until July next year to allow KCCA completes the formulation of the 2018-19 city budget.
In a notice issued last week to all owners and operators of commuter taxis, special hires, buses, lorries and pickups, KCCA wants them to settle their dues with KCCA to avoid inconveniences arising from enforced recovery. KCCA warned to impound the vehicles whose owners fail to pay the dues.
“You are further informed that KCCA is resuming enforcement operations anytime,” the notice reads.
By 8am today, KCCA enforcement team had been deployed at the taxi parks to hunt for those the fees defaulters.
But Police men came and ordered KCCA enforcement team to allow the taxi operators to freely operate.
Frank Mwesigwa, the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) Commander, said the Police is implementing the President’s directive.
“I am also aware that today the Prime Minister is going to meet the two sides,” he added.
