Entebbe, Uganda: Taxi operators plying the Entebbe route have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see them work together with their long-time rivals, the Fly Express Transport Association.
For a long time, there has been a rift between the taxi operators under the ESCADA umbrella body and the Fly Express drone taxi operators, with the former accusing the latter of enjoying preferential treatment in stage allocation and operating conditions.
The ESCADA drivers, now operating from Kitoro Taxi Park, also accused the Fly Express Transport Association of undermining the UTOF standing orders.
“We were the first people in this business, but when Fly Express came in, things changed a lot. Our rivalry stemmed from the fact that the Fly Express drones could operate from anywhere, unlike us—leaving us with no passengers,” said Abiola Hood Walakira, the chairperson of ESCADA.
At the heart of the disputes, authorities continuously pushed for harmonization and integration of taxi operations into a single system under the Entebbe Taxi Park. In the latest development, the two warring groups have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together.
“I’m glad that our brothers have agreed to this MoU for the betterment of our business. I’m very optimistic that our operations will run smoothly from now on,” added Abiola.
On the other hand, Peter Kaggwa, the Chairperson of the Fly Express Transport Association, said the union is not only a tool for harmonization but also a call to other taxi operators to improve their services.
“I want to assure my brothers from ESCADA that fighting will not solve anything. Instead, we need to work hard to improve our work. This union implies that we must ensure our clients, our passengers are getting quality service,” said Peter Kaggwa.
Meanwhile, Hillary Musoke alias Kisanja, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Agribusiness who was the mediator and the brain behind the MoU expressed relief that the two groups had finally united.
“For a long time, the rivalry between ESCADA and Fly Express operators attracted the attention of the President. That is why he specifically assigned me to harmonize you people,” revealed Kisanja.
“I’m very happy that we have finally achieved the much-desired harmony. It is now time to put aside your differences and work together,” he added.
Local leaders, including Entebbe Mayor Fabrice Rulinda, Justine Mbabazi (the RDC of Wakiso District and Dean of RDCs/RCCs), were present to witness the MoU signing. They hailed Dr. Kisanja for his courageous efforts in harmonizing the two groups.
