The Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, has met leaders of the Uganda Taxi Operators Federation (UTOF) to discuss measures aimed at transforming, streamlining and professionalizing Uganda’s taxi transport sector.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between Government and taxi operators, improving compliance with transport regulations, enhancing road safety and addressing challenges affecting the effective management of public passenger transport.
Hon. Byamukama noted that Government has continued to strengthen supervision and monitoring of public transport operations as part of efforts to ensure that taxi services operate within established laws and standards.
He emphasized that a well regulated taxi industry is critical to the safety of passengers, motorists and other road users, as well as to the efficient functioning of Uganda’s urban and inter-urban transport system.
The Minister reiterated Government’s position on Driving Motorcycles and Cars (DMC) taxis, stressing that vehicles operating outside the approved regulatory framework have no place on Uganda’s roads. He called for stronger enforcement and closer coordination among taxi operators, local governments, the Uganda Police Force and other relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance.
Hon. Byamukama encouraged taxi operators to work closely with Government in implementing reforms and to embrace innovations being introduced to improve the management of the transport sector. He urged operators to engage constructively with Government on issues concerning fares, taxation, licensing and regulation rather than resorting to confrontation.
He further called upon taxi operators to strengthen their organizational structures by establishing an effective and coordinated tax body representation from the local level through to the national level. Such structures, he said, would provide a clear platform through which Government can engage operators, communicate policy decisions and address challenges affecting the sector.
The Minister also encouraged taxi operators to use their earnings productively by investing in sustainable ventures that can improve their livelihoods and financial security beyond daily transport operations.
He stressed that the transformation of the taxi industry requires shared responsibility, noting that Government has a role in providing an appropriate regulatory framework and ensuring enforcement, while operators must uphold the law, maintain their vehicles properly, observe road safety requirements and provide reliable services to passengers.
The UTOF leadership welcomed Government’s position on DMC taxis and pledged to work with the Ministry of Works and Transport to reorganize and professionalize the taxi sector.
The Federation committed to strengthening cooperation with Government and supporting initiatives aimed at improving order, accountability and safety within the industry.
The engagement is part of Government’s broader efforts to reform Uganda’s public transport system and create a safer, more organized and efficient transport sector that serves both passengers and operators.
The Ministry will continue engaging transport sector stakeholders to identify practical solutions to challenges affecting public passenger transport while ensuring that all operators comply with the laws and regulations governing the industry.