The Chairman of the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF), Hajji Rashid Sekindi, has called on taxi drivers across the country to reject any form of violence before, during, and after the upcoming elections.
Sekindi delivered the message while addressing drivers at the Ndejje–Namasuba Stage Kanaaba in Makindye–Ssabagabo, Wakiso District, during the adoption of the stage’s new constitution.
“I know some of you may be tempted to act as informers or be swayed by political excitement,” Sekindi said. “But our duty as responsible citizens is to vote peacefully, wait for the Electoral Commission’s official results, and avoid violence. We do not want to witness the kind of deadly riots we recently saw in Tanzania.”
Sekindi also reminded drivers of the government’s contribution to improving the taxi industry under President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership.
He encouraged them to acknowledge these efforts when making political choices.
“This sector has benefited from the President’s support. If you want these programmes to continue, you know where to place your vote,” he noted.
During the meeting, taxi drivers overwhelmingly voted to adopt their newly drafted constitution. Of the voters present, 89 supported, six opposed, and none abstained.
Supporters of the new legal framework argued that the current leadership has achieved significantly more within a short period compared to previous committees.
Stage secretary Vianey Kiggwe highlighted key milestones, including acquiring park land, assisting drivers in obtaining permits, and saving over shs 30 million for the welfare of members.
The eight-member leadership committee will continue to serve for the next five years. However, the constitution allows the removal of members who violate stage regulations.
Present at the event were several senior officials, who pledged to address the persistent challenges affecting drivers, particularly the frequent and unexplained arrests along Nakivubo Blue.
The leadership also encouraged drivers to apply for the 100 scholarship opportunities offered by Clarke International University, aimed at enhancing skills and career development.
Additionally, drivers were urged to start saving with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), which recently introduced a special arrangement enabling informal workers to access their benefits earlier than the standard retirement age.
In a move geared towards professionalising the taxi industry, UTOF announced plans to take a delegation of taxi drivers to Dubai in January next year for a benchmarking and learning visit.