KAMPALA, Uganda: Members of the Bus Drivers Advocacy Forum (BDAF) have come out to protest what they described as harsh workplace conditions they encounter, including poor pay, lack of job security, and an unhealthy relationship with bus owners. They say the government needs to intervene and reconcile them.
The remarks were expressed by the forum chairperson, Kakaire Ayub, during an exclusive interview with this website on 5th April 2026.
Kakaire was discussing the numerous challenges his members encounter while executing their duties, ranging from the lack of a streamlined working relationship with bus owners—a development that has led to the absence of a clear-cut remuneration strategy for drivers, including salary, allowances, medical insurance cover, and retirement packages, among others.
He observed that the government needs to intervene and ensure that bus owners cultivate a warm and cordial relationship with drivers, who play a key role in transporting passengers and ensuring their safety while on the national road network.
Kakaire noted that currently many drivers are fatigued, aging, and demoralized, while others are dismissed without appeal once they speak out about their welfare situation.
“We call upon the government to help bring together the bus transport sector players, including bus owners, insurance service providers, drivers, and other critical stakeholders, to strengthen collaboration for the good of all parties.
Let the government intervene by compelling our mother ministry, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development—particularly the Department of Occupational Health and Safety—so that transport sector workers are legally provided with health insurance cover, given the nature of their job, as well as better and deserving salaries, allowances, and retirement packages in appreciation of the role they play in the provision of transport services to the country.
Many of our drivers have died due to road accidents, poor health, or have been outrightly dismissed from their jobs by bus owners over suspected flimsy reasons. Unfortunately, there is little respect for drivers, yet their professional efforts bring significant resources into the companies.”
He pledged to work closely with the government and sector stakeholders to strengthen the profession’s mandate as they strive for a better transport industry that contributes to the national development agenda.
