Members of the Mityana–Mubende taxi stage have adopted a new constitution, with amendments, in a move aimed at resolving persistent leadership disagreements, promoting transparency and improving the welfare of more than 200 members.
The constitution was adopted during a meeting organised by the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF), which brought together taxi drivers, their assistants (conductors), representatives from State House and other stakeholders to address disputes that have reportedly affected the stage’s operations and development.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the stage’s Interim Chairperson, Peter Kiteera, commended UTOF for intervening and facilitating discussions among the members, expressing optimism that the resolutions reached would improve working relationships.
”I want to thank UTOF for organising this meeting. I am confident that what we have discussed here with the members will bear fruits in the future,” Kiteera said.
He explained that the disagreements between some leaders and members had largely revolved around welfare issues, stage management and the absence of a constitution to guide the association’s operations.
Kiteera said some members had been raising concerns without fully understanding the existing management arrangements, adding that he did not blame them for expressing their dissatisfaction because it was their right.
”I am happy that we have been able to adopt our constitution with amendments. The members have also agreed that we remain as interim leaders for two years, as was resolved during the last general meeting held at the New Taxi Park,” he said.
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Kiteera attributed his appointment to God’s guidance, explaining that he was initially appointed interim chairperson while he was in Tanzania on personal business.
He said he served in an interim capacity for two months before an election was conducted, in which he secured 230 votes against his opponent’s four.
Kiteera urged members to exercise patience, maintain unity and focus on the development of the stage rather than engaging in unnecessary disagreements.
”I therefore urge my fellow drivers to be patient and maintain peace so that we can focus on developing our stage,” he added.
Meanwhile, UTOF Chairman Hajji Rashid Sekindi described the meeting as successful, expressing hope that the resolutions reached would be implemented by all parties.
Sekindi revealed that some members had earlier petitioned the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Kampala over their grievances, before being referred to UTOF for intervention.
”These people first petitioned the RCC for Kampala, who referred them to us. I am glad that today we have reached a point where there is now a constitution that has been adopted, and the members have agreed to abide by it,” Sekindi said.
He noted that the complaints raised by members included concerns about welfare, the duration of leaders’ terms of office and delays in promoting members deemed deserving of leadership positions.
According to Sekindi, members who had previously disagreed with the stage leadership were given an opportunity to present their concerns during the meeting, with amendments made to address areas where consensus had not initially been reached.
For a long time, the stage had operated under by-laws which some members were accused of favouring existing leaders and enabling them to retain their positions. The adoption of the amended constitution is therefore expected to provide a clearer framework for leadership, accountability and the management of members’ affairs.
Out of approximately 170 members who registered for the meeting, close to 100 reportedly endorsed the adoption of the amended constitution by raising their hands.
However, the members also urged the interim leadership to exercise fairness, transparency and impartiality in carrying out its responsibilities, emphasising the need for all leaders to respect the agreed provisions.
The adoption of the constitution marks a significant step in the stage’s efforts to address internal disagreements, strengthen its leadership structures and create a more peaceful and organised working environment for its members.
UTOF oversees more than 200 taxi stages across the country.
