The government has moved in to diffuse the tensions between Uganda Taxi drivers and Operators Association and a group of taxi drivers and conductors.

Taxi drivers and conductors have today made good their threat to strike over what they termed as unfair treatment by UTODA.

Kampala old taxi park

The Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi said the government has prevailed on UTODA to suspend some of the welfare fees collections for some time as investigations into the drivers’ concerns.

Today’s sit down strike called by drivers started peacefully in many areas but as time went on, some people suspected to be drivers and conductors turned rowdy throwing stones at taxis which were ferrying passengers. 12 taxi operators and over 40 other people were arrested by police in Kampala.

On Makindye stage, drivers caused chaos almost getting into a fight with UTODA guides and some drivers and conductors who had packed on stage to ferry passengers to town.

Speaking to Kampala metropolitan police spokes person, Ibin Senkumbi, he confirmed that a number on incidents happened in various parts of Kampala including, Yesu Amala in Nansana, Luzira road, Namasuba, Katwe, Seeta and Mukono.

Senkumbi went to confirm that 12 taxi operators have been arrested in Seeta and Mukono for inciting violence and distorting traffic along the route.

 Boda riders have fully taken up the job of ferrying people to different parts of Kampala despite a few taxis being seen operating.

By Isaac Senabulya