By Racheal N Namuli
Tension has erupted among drivers under the Fly Express Travellers’ Association in Entebbe, with a section of members accusing the association’s leadership of failing to provide accountability for funds collected from drivers.
The Fly Express Travellers Association was established in 2021 under a temporary licence issued by the Ministry of Works and Transport. The association reportedly comprises about 170 taxi drivers operating from six taxi stages located in Entebbe and Kampala.
Led by former executive committee member in charge of defence, Asaba Aziz, a group of drivers has raised concerns over what they describe as a lack of financial transparency by the association’s chairperson, Peter Kaggwa.
According to Aziz, each driver contributes approximately UGX 10,000 per route, generating substantial revenue for the association. He claims that significant amounts of money have been collected over the years without adequate accountability being provided to members.
Aziz further alleges that members who question the management about accountability face intimidation from the chairperson. He also claims that several drivers have been suspended or laid off, leaving them with financial difficulties.
One of the complainants, Mugisha Akim, described Kaggwa as uncooperative and called upon the Minister of State for Transport, Fred Byamukama, to intervene and investigate the allegations.
Akim also alleges that Kaggwa has claimed to have connections with senior security officials, including Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and commanders within the Special Forces Command (SFC), which he says has created fear among some members of the association.
The disgruntled drivers further claim that the association has been converted into a company without the consent of members, a move they say deviates from the organisation’s original objectives.
Another concerned driver, Tibamanya Frank, alleged that Kaggwa offered him UGX 4 million, which he rejected, claiming he was entitled to UGX 12 million. Tibamanya criticised the management of the association and appealed to the Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, and the Ministry of Works and Transport to intervene and restore normalcy within the organisation.
Chairperson Responds
In response to the allegations, Peter Kaggwa denied claims that Aziz and his group had been expelled from the association. He stated that they were instead placed on forced leave due to misconduct, which he said violated the association’s constitution.
Kaggwa maintained that his leadership has always focused on the development and welfare of drivers. Addressing concerns about accountability, he said the association had previously resolved to invest in projects that would directly benefit members, including the purchase of land for driver welfare.
According to Kaggwa, the association has already secured six acres of land in Wakiso District, which is intended to provide facilities and shelter for drivers. He also said the association has established healthcare support services through a hospital arrangement that caters for drivers and their family members.
Kaggwa urged any member with concerns to formally present their complaints through the association’s offices so that issues can be addressed through the appropriate channels rather than through public accusations.
The dispute highlights growing concerns among some members regarding governance, transparency, and the future direction of the Fly Express Travellers Association, with calls mounting for intervention from relevant authorities.
