Dokolo, Uganda – Drivers and conductors in Dokolo District have finally achieved relief after a prolonged battle against alleged exploitation by Moses Ogong, the tenderer of Dokolo Modern Transporters.
The conflict, which lasted over a year, centered on high tax charges imposed on vehicles operating from Dokolo.
Malco Okwanga, chairperson of the Dokolo Drivers and Conductors Association, expressed frustration over the charges during a phone interview.
He revealed that Ogong demanded 20,000 UGX from fully loaded taxis traveling from Dokolo to Lira, a rate significantly higher than the 10,000 UGX charged in neighboring districts like Lira, Amolatar and Soroti. For smaller vehicles like Toyota Noahs, Ogong charged 10,000 UGX, compared to 5,000 UGX in other areas.
“For a long time, we have been overtaxed compared to drivers in other districts. This has caused unnecessary hardship for us,” Okwanga said.
Despite writing multiple letters to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Dokolo seeking intervention, drivers saw no action.
As resistance to the tax grew, Okwanga and four other association officials were arrested, accused of mobilizing drivers and vehicle owners to boycott payments.
Adding to the tension, Ogong allegedly hired bouncers from Lira to intimidate the drivers. However, a tip-off alerted the drivers, who sought help from the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Barbara Akech.
RDC Barbara Akech confirmed that the tenderer had overstepped his role, mistaking tax collection duties for stage management responsibilities.
She also noted that Ogong attempted to compel new drivers to register and pay subscription fees directly to him instead of the association.
In response, Akech convened a meeting on January 7, 2025, involving taxi owners, driver association leaders from districts like Lira, Soroti,Kaberamido, Kalaki and Amolatar, as well as Dokolo district officials, including the CAO.
The meeting, chaired by RDC Akech, resulted in several key resolutions:
- Taxis from Dokolo will pay 10,000 UGX per trip, regardless of passenger capacity, while smaller vehicles like Toyota Noahs will pay 5,000 UGX.
- All payments must include clearly written receipts indicating the charged amount.
- Associations must register their profiles with Dokolo District and ensure all members possess valid driver permits.
Okwanga welcomed the resolutions, describing them as a step toward fairness and justice.
During the meeting, RDC Akech highlighted President Yoweri Museveni’s directive that tax collection tenders should only be awarded to association members who own vehicles operating on the relevant routes.
“This directive ensures fairness and keeps the process within the hands of those directly involved in the sector,” Akech emphasized.
The resolutions mark the end of a year-long struggle for drivers and conductors in Dokolo, who can now operate under more equitable conditions.
Okwanga called on members to remain united and vigilant to ensure these agreements are upheld.
Attempts to reach Ogong for comment were unsuccessful as his contact was unavailable.
RDC Akech urged all stakeholders to work together to maintain harmony in Dokolo’s transport sector, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in tax collection.
