More than 200 taxi operators in Lugazi town council have rejected the new parking fee increase proposed by the council.
The Lugazi town council executive, have resolved to increase parking fees for Taxis and special hire vehicles that use the Lugazi Taxi Park.
According to the resolution, every Taxi entering the park will be levied 1,500 shillings, while Special hire vehicles will be required to pay 1,000 shillings.
The resolution stems from the need to increase revenue earnings for the town council.
Deo Tumwesigye, the acting Mayor says that the council plans to increase the revenue from 5 million shillings to 6.5 million shillings.
But the resolution has been received with mixed feelings by the drivers most of who feel that it is exploitative.
Muhammad Bbosa, one of the Taxi drivers, noted that UTODA Kampala levies a block fee of 4,500 shillings per day on every Taxi entering the park. He explained that taxis using Lugazi Park may end up paying up to 9,000 shillings per day if they used the park six times.
The driver's protests have been supported by Semusu Muyingo, one of the councillors who argue that council has no right to set the gate collection fees.
Semusu argued that council should have instead notified UTODA about the new revenue remittances expected and leave it up to UTODA to decide on how they can raise the required remittances to Lugazi Town Council.
But Joel Musisi, the town clerk, maintains that the Town Council has a right to agree with the UTODA on the specific charges.
