Muzaidi Khemis, the mayor of Central Division, defended the increase, explaining that the new charges were part of a local revenue enhancement plan approved by the council. He also assured that they plan to engage and sensitize drivers about the changes.
Drivers at Arua Modern Taxi Park, located in Central Division, are protesting against the recent increase in park fees implemented by the Arua City Council. The fees, which are being collected by Al-Wakil Enterprise Limited, the tenderer of the Taxi Park, were raised over the past week.
The charges for five-seater vehicles were increased from 3,000 to 4,000 shillings, while vehicles carrying more than five passengers, including the driver, saw an increase from 5,000 to 7,000 shillings. The drivers argue that the fee hike was implemented without proper consultation or notification.
Hakim Taban, a driver at the Nebbi/Paidah stage, expressed frustration, explaining that drivers and stage managers, who are most affected by the increase, were not consulted before the changes were introduced.
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Ali Muhammad, another driver, revealed that many drivers have chosen to park their vehicles in protest. They are demanding an explanation from the division authorities regarding the fee increase.
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While drivers are not opposed to an increase in park fees, stage manager Silvano Ejiku at Logiri Park emphasized that the fees have become exorbitant, negatively affecting their businesses.
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However, Muzaidi Khemis, the mayor of Central Division, defended the increase, explaining that the new charges were part of a local revenue enhancement plan approved by the council. He also assured that they plan to engage and sensitize drivers about the changes.
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Central Division Town Clerk Maliki Drakuma dismissed claims that drivers were neglected, noting that their leaders were involved in the approval process for the new fees.
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The Arua Modern Taxi Park was constructed in 2018 through the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program, funded by the World Bank for Shillings 28 billion. The facility includes parking spaces, over 98 lock-ups, office space, a restaurant, solar-powered lights, modern sanitary facilities, and waiting areas.
