Jinja Taxi Operators Get 21 Days to Relocate from Kiyembe Stage

Taxi operators who have long utilized the Kiyembe Stage in Jinja City, also known as Kampala Stage, have been given a strict 21-day deadline to relocate their operations to the Jinja Main Taxi Park. This move is part of a broader campaign by Jinja City authorities to enforce trade order regulations.

The grace period, which began following a meeting between affected drivers and Jinja Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Salim Kumakech, expires on August 13, 2026. After this date, operations at Kiyembe Stage will be entirely prohibited.

Kiyembe Stage has been a crucial transport hub for decades, facilitating travel between Jinja and Kampala. Reports indicate the stage has been operational for over 40 years, potentially established by Luwero Bush War veterans as an income-generating project.

However, the planned relocation is met with strong resistance from the operators. They argue that the main taxi park lacks adequate space to accommodate the current volume of vehicles from Kiyembe and other unregulated stages within Jinja. Led by their chairman, Sulaiman Kalani, drivers have voiced concerns about severe congestion and a potential loss of income.

More than 30 operators protested at the RCC’s office, appealing for the directive to be reconsidered. “We have been operating from here for years, and this is our only source of livelihood,” stated driver Yusuf Mwanje, urging for government intervention. Pastor Juma Sebastian, a stage guide, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the operators’ past support for government initiatives and their belief in fair consideration of their concerns.

Operators also questioned the selective enforcement, pointing to the continued operation of ungazetted stages in other urban centers like Kampala. RCC Kumakech, however, urged compliance, emphasizing that the enforcement aligns with a presidential directive aiming to streamline urban transport, reduce congestion, and restore order.

The RCC assured that concerns are being addressed, including security arrangements and the establishment of a memorandum of understanding with taxi park management to ensure a smooth transition. Security and technical teams are reportedly working on logistical preparations for the main taxi park.

Despite assurances, tensions persist among operators who are calling for continued dialogue and practical solutions to safeguard their livelihoods while authorities aim to professionalize transport operations in Jinja City.

This article is based on reporting from Nile Post.