Taxi drivers’ association ventures into bus business

The Uganda Taxi Operators and Drivers Association has unveiled a five-year development plan to introduce buses and phase out commuter taxis to decongest the city.

With the new executive that was elected on November 27 last year, led by the incoming chairperson, Mr William Katumba, Utoda yesterday said it had joined other bus service providers in the city to compete with others.

“Under this scheme, our members, who are local investors, will getlarger carriers to gradually replace the existing 14-seater taxi,” Mr John Ndyomugyenyi, the Utoda chairperson, said in a statement.

“This scheme is ongoing and will be implemented using a phased approach over the next 24 months. It will be made possible through a collective effort of members under a cooperative of more than 3,000members,” Mr Ndyomugyenyi said.

Mr Katumba replaces Mr Musa Katongole, who did not stand for re-election. Mr Ndyomugyenyi said they had recruited the former executive director for Pioneer Easy Bus, Mr Fred Ssennonga, who now heads the Utoda business development committee.

The association plans to ship in at least 300 buses by the end of this year. Mr Ssennoga said the final model had been approved.