transportation 7 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kalangala Taxi Operators Ground Vehicles Over New Masaka Route Rules
A protest has erupted among Kalangala taxi operators who have parked their vehicles to demonstrate against new operating guidelines for the Kalangala-Masaka route. The new rules, decided in Masaka, significantly restrict daily operations and operating hours for taxis originating from the island. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kalangala-taxi-operators-park-vehicles-over-new-masaka-route-rules-5487888
Taxi drivers plying the Kalangala–Masaka route have opted to park their vehicles in protest against recently implemented operating guidelines. The decision stems from a meeting held in Masaka City on May 30, 2026, where new rules were adopted that drivers from Kalangala argue unfairly cut their earnings and inconvenience passengers.
Key among the contentious changes is the reduction of taxis allowed to operate daily from Kalangala to Masaka, from four to just two. Additionally, morning operating hours are now set to conclude at 8:00 AM, a stark contrast to the previous 11:00 AM cutoff. This change is seen as particularly detrimental, as it significantly limits the time for passenger pick-up, while taxis from Masaka will continue to operate for a much longer period throughout the day.
Drivers express frustration that decisions impacting them are made in Masaka without adequate consultation. “What they [Masaka based taxi drivers] decide amongst themselves is what they implement,” lamented Mr. Salim Nyonyintono, a Kalangala-based driver. He further explained that the earlier start and earlier finish disproportionately affects Kalangala operators, leaving passengers with fewer options and potentially higher costs, as they may need to hire other transport to reach designated pick-up points.
While the total number of registered taxis on the route is 40 (36 from Masaka and 4 from Kalangala), the new guidelines will see only 20 taxis operating daily, with just two from Kalangala. The chairperson of the drivers on the route, Mr. Ronald Mutebi, defended the changes, citing a significant decline in passenger numbers due to reduced viability of businesses like timber and fish trade in Kalangala. He stated that the new schedule aims to ensure that the limited number of active taxis can still earn a living by spreading the operating days.
This protest highlights the ongoing challenges and disagreements in managing transport services between the island district and the mainland, impacting both operators and the commuting public. The drivers are appealing to district leaders for intervention.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)