By Our Reporter
Taxi operators at the Namugongo–Kyaliwajjala stage in Kira Municipality have elected a new leadership team that will serve for the next five years.
The elections were held at Priest Land in Kyaliwajjala following a directive from the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kira Municipality, Naboth Kagoro. The move came after concerns were raised by various groups of taxi operators, who called for fresh leadership to address growing challenges within the stage.
Among the key issues cited was insecurity along the Northern Bypass, where criminal gangs reportedly masquerade as taxi drivers to rob passengers of their property. Operators also raised alarm over incidents in which passengers have allegedly been attacked due to what they described as weak coordination and ineffective leadership.
In response to the concerns, the RDC directed Gonzaga Kawuki, Chairperson of Bweyogerere Taxi Operators, together with his Secretary, Moses Mpagi, other delegates, and officers from Kira Division Police led by Community Liaison Officer (CLO) Moses Kazibwe, to organize elections. The polls were conducted on March 2, 2026, for seven leadership positions.
Before voting began, Kawuki read out the names of registered taxi operators to verify membership and ensure only legitimate members participated in the exercise.
The following leaders were elected:
- Robert Mwesigwa Bwete – Chairperson
- Junior Kibalya – Deputy Chairperson
- Philipe Kirunda – General Secretary
- Jjuuko Moses – Treasurer
- Juma Musolo – Welfare Officer
- Umar Mutaasa – Publicity Secretary
- Umar Katende – Defence Secretary
Speaking after the elections, CLO Moses Kazibwe urged taxi operators to work closely with security agencies to curb crime in Kira Municipality. He commended drivers who have consistently reported concerns about their working conditions to the police, noting that collaboration is key to improving safety.
In his remarks, Chairperson-elect Robert Mwesigwa said he had been serving in an interim capacity for the past six months, during which he initiated several improvements. These include lobbying for a medical facility to serve taxi operators, which he said has enhanced their well-being, and securing affordable permits and other essential requirements for drivers.
He pledged to build on these achievements and further improve the welfare and security of taxi operators during his new five-year term.
