Mbale City is facing mounting tensions as truck and pickup drivers operating on the city streets have vehemently rejected a directive from the city council to relocate to the Uhuru Auto Service Park. The drivers, under the Mbale United Trucks and Pickups Drivers Association, argue that the move is unfair and lacks proper consultation, sparking a standoff between the drivers and city authorities. The dispute highlights broader concerns over the lack of designated parking spaces and the perceived marginalization of transport operators in the city.
Mbale City Council's recent directive requiring truck and pickup drivers to vacate the streets and relocate to the Uhuru Auto Service Park has been met with fierce resistance from the drivers' association. The council claims to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the private facility owner, designating the park as a temporary solution to decongest the city streets. Drivers are expected to pay Shs 2,000 daily to the park management, a move that has further fueled discontent among the operators.
In a letter addressed to the drivers' leadership, the city clerk stated that the relocation would take effect on March 7, 2025, with an official handover meeting scheduled for March 3, 2025. However, the drivers have denied any prior engagement or agreement with the city authorities, accusing the council of acting unilaterally.
Abud Madoi, chairperson of the Mbale United Trucks and Pickups Drivers Association, expressed his frustration, stating, "They take us as if we're not leaders. Who did they sit with to agree on this move? We are not willing to relocate to Uhuru Park and start paying Shs 2,000 daily. We already pay local revenue, and we demand our own park, just like bus and taxi operators."
Madoi also revealed that the association had written to the city council through the National Union of Drivers, Cyclists, and Allied Workers but had received no response. He warned that the drivers were prepared to resist the directive, even in the face of law enforcement. "We know they have organized police and military, but we will not fear them. We are not enemies; we just want our own space," he asserted.
Ali Walude, a truck driver and chairman of the Coffee Tree Stage, echoed Madoi's sentiments, vowing to escalate the matter to higher authorities. "We will inform President Museveni about what is happening in Mbale. How can they sell all the open spaces and then push us into a private facility?" Walude questioned. He criticized the sudden implementation of the decision, noting that the drivers were given no prior notice or opportunity for discussion.
The drivers argue that the city council's decision to sell their former parking space to private developers has left them with no viable alternative. Mauso James, general secretary of the Elgon Corner Stage, emphasized the need for unity among the drivers. "Before the city council forces us away, they should sit with us and agree on where to take us. We must stand together," he said.
In response, James Kutosi, Mbale City's Public Relations Officer, suggested that not all drivers may have been represented in the discussions. "Sometimes meetings are not attended by everyone. Those claiming they were not engaged might not have been part of the meeting," he said. Kutosi assured that the city had secured a suitable location for the drivers and would guide them when the time comes.
As the standoff continues, the drivers remain resolute in their demand for a fair and inclusive solution. "They should show us where to go, and we will cooperate. But if they don’t, we will not succumb to their pressure," Madoi declared. The situation underscores the need for dialogue and transparency in urban planning decisions, particularly when they impact the livelihoods of thousands of transport operators.
Mbale City Council's recent directive requiring truck and pickup drivers to vacate the streets and relocate to the Uhuru Auto Service Park has been met with fierce resistance from the drivers' association. The council claims to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the private facility owner, designating the park as a temporary solution to decongest the city streets. Drivers are expected to pay Shs 2,000 daily to the park management, a move that has further fueled discontent among the operators.
In a letter addressed to the drivers' leadership, the city clerk stated that the relocation would take effect on March 7, 2025, with an official handover meeting scheduled for March 3, 2025. However, the drivers have denied any prior engagement or agreement with the city authorities, accusing the council of acting unilaterally.
Abud Madoi, chairperson of the Mbale United Trucks and Pickups Drivers Association, expressed his frustration, stating, "They take us as if we're not leaders. Who did they sit with to agree on this move? We are not willing to relocate to Uhuru Park and start paying Shs 2,000 daily. We already pay local revenue, and we demand our own park, just like bus and taxi operators."
Madoi also revealed that the association had written to the city council through the National Union of Drivers, Cyclists, and Allied Workers but had received no response. He warned that the drivers were prepared to resist the directive, even in the face of law enforcement. "We know they have organized police and military, but we will not fear them. We are not enemies; we just want our own space," he asserted.
Ali Walude, a truck driver and chairman of the Coffee Tree Stage, echoed Madoi's sentiments, vowing to escalate the matter to higher authorities. "We will inform President Museveni about what is happening in Mbale. How can they sell all the open spaces and then push us into a private facility?" Walude questioned. He criticized the sudden implementation of the decision, noting that the drivers were given no prior notice or opportunity for discussion.
The drivers argue that the city council's decision to sell their former parking space to private developers has left them with no viable alternative. Mauso James, general secretary of the Elgon Corner Stage, emphasized the need for unity among the drivers. "Before the city council forces us away, they should sit with us and agree on where to take us. We must stand together," he said.
In response, James Kutosi, Mbale City's Public Relations Officer, suggested that not all drivers may have been represented in the discussions. "Sometimes meetings are not attended by everyone. Those claiming they were not engaged might not have been part of the meeting," he said. Kutosi assured that the city had secured a suitable location for the drivers and would guide them when the time comes.
As the standoff continues, the drivers remain resolute in their demand for a fair and inclusive solution. "They should show us where to go, and we will cooperate. But if they don’t, we will not succumb to their pressure," Madoi declared. The situation underscores the need for dialogue and transparency in urban planning decisions, particularly when they impact the livelihoods of thousands of transport operators.
