Taxi and Fuso truck drivers in Mbale City have strongly opposed their relocation to a new park designated by the city council, citing deplorable conditions, including piles of uncollected garbage dating back 20 years.
The drivers, led by spokespersons Juma Maganga and others, expressed frustration over being mixed in the same park with heavy trucks, which is unsafe and impractical. "How can small taxis share space with heavy trucks? The place is also dirty and unfit for human use," Maganga said.
The drivers, led by spokespersons Juma Maganga and others, expressed frustration over being mixed in the same park with heavy trucks, which is unsafe and impractical. "How can small taxis share space with heavy trucks? The place is also dirty and unfit for human use," Maganga said.
Some drivers have accused the Mbale City Council of selling their original lorry park and nearly every viable parking space in town, leaving them with no proper alternatives.
The chairman of taxis at Soroti-Kumi Stage, Mr. Edris Bira, and the chairman of trucks, Madoi Ayubu, stated that while they are willing to vacate the city center to reduce congestion, the proposed site must first be made habitable.
"We have no problem leaving the city, but where they are taking us is not acceptable. The garbage must be removed, the ground leveled, and water provided before we move in,"* Bira insisted.
The chairperson of Kumi Road Market, where the new park is located, criticized the city officials for their "half-baked plans." He revealed that he was shocked to wake up one morning and find taxis and trucks being moved into the area without prior consultation.
HE added that it’s sad that the city council did not first address the garbage problem before bringing more people here. There are no sufficient toilets, no security lights, and the uncollected waste is a health hazard," he said.
The drivers remain firm on their stance—they will only relocate once the site is cleaned, upgraded, and deemed safe for business operations. The city council must now address these concerns or face continued resistance from the transport operators.
As tensions rise, residents and business owners are watching closely to see if the city council will take immediate action or let the standoff persist.
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