The authorities in Luweero have indefinitely suspended the collection of welfare fees by taxi operators. It follows complaints against the leadership of Bulemeezi Taxi Owners and Drivers Association (BUTODA) for alleged misappropriation of 100 million shillings contributed by drivers as welfare fees. Drivers operating in Wobulenzi Taxi Park have been contributing shilling 3000 to the welfare fund since November 2011.
It was meant to help the drivers to cater for burial expenses and a revolving fund for members. Recently, drivers rose up in arms accusing the leadership of Bulemeezi Taxi Owners and Drivers Association (BUTODA) of failing to account for the money they had collected since last year. They decided to form a parallel association and vowed not to remit any money to Bulemeezi Taxi Owners and Drivers Association (BUTODA).
On Monday, Henry Musisi, the assistant Chief Administrative Officer Luweero announced the indefinite suspension of the welfare fund until the dispute amongst the drivers is resolved. Musisi says that they will only lift the suspension once the drivers come up with a clear method of collecting, saving and distributing the welfare fund to members. While addressing the drivers at Wobulenzi town council Musisi ordered them to return and operate inside the park and the council dues.
Hussein Sonko, who drives a Taxi of registration number UAP 093F has welcomed the suspension of the welfare fee collection. He accused the management of BUTODA of cheating them of their hard earned money. Ahmed Simbwa also welcomed the suspension of fund saying that it has not benefited them. Simbwa told URN that he has been struggling medical expenses yet he had contributed to the welfare fund for such cases. The leaders of BUTODA have not yet commented on the suspension of the fund, as Ali Mutebi, the chairperson of the group left the meeting before it closed.
