Written By | BK Mugizi
Taxi driver shows a palcard demanding for accountability during the meeting
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BUSHENYI
The leadership of Bushenyi Taxi Operators Cooperative Union Limited has been voted out following an audit report that revealed the misappropriation of more than Shs184 million. The decision was reached during a meeting held at the Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipal Hall on March 3, 2026, attended by members, municipal authorities, and officials from the Registry of Cooperatives under the Ministry of Trade.
The audit, conducted by Dickson Gambamaziima of Dickson Associates, uncovered what he described as financial mismanagement and a lack of accountability.
“We faced challenges during the audit because the former leadership was not transparent. They told us their offices had been burnt and that some receipts and bank statements were lost, which made the exercise difficult,” Gambamaziima said.
He added that the association lacked proper bank statements for withdrawals and deposits and had no governing policies in place.
“From the few records we accessed dating back to 2021, we established that Shs184 million was unaccounted for. The incoming leaders must ensure accountability because members are demanding answers,” he said. 
Taxi drivers celebrate after ousting the corrupt leadership
The former executive was led by chairman Arthur Mucunguzi and Muhammed Lukwago.
The Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipal Commercial Officer, Ategyeka, confirmed that the old executive was forced to step aside to pave the way for fresh elections in line with directives from the Ministry of Trade.
“The audit report showed that the former leaders misappropriated money, so they had to step aside. Members have now elected new leaders who will work with the municipality to ensure compliance with cooperative regulations,” Ategyeka said.
He warned that the former leaders remain liable for the missing funds and risk criminal prosecution if they fail to refund the money.
“It is upon the members to decide whether to go to court or report the matter to police. There are several avenues available to ensure the money is recovered,” he said.
Members Speak Out
The revelations have sparked outrage among drivers and conductors. Naboth Mujuni, a driver, accused the former leaders of betraying members' trust.
“We have been contributing money since 2021 but have never received any accountability. They told us they bought a drone taxi for the association, but it has never earned us dividends,” Mujuni said.
John Nahabwe, General Secretary of the Ishaka–Kasese stage, said members sought the intervention of the Resident District Commissioner and businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba to secure an independent auditor from the Ministry of Trade.
“We formed a welfare association and started saving, but we never received accountability. With guidance from Basajjabalaba and support from the RDC’s office, we were able to get an auditor who exposed the mismanagement,” Nahabwe said.
He added that members plan to petition the Anti-Corruption Unit to recover the funds.
“Our next step is to pursue this matter with the Anti-Corruption Unit until the money is recovered,” he said.
Johnson Ayebazibwe, a driver at the Bushenyi-Ishaka stage, said members contribute Shs2,000 daily from each of the more than 100 taxis operating in the municipality.
“We spend long hours on the road, contributing our savings with the hope of support during sickness or old age. Shs184 million is our sweat and blood,” he said.
Andrew Nuwahereza, a welfare member, questioned how such funds could be lost while association property, including a van, was neglected.
Taxi drivers infront of Bushenyi-Ishaka municipal offices before their meeting with municipalty officers
New Leadership
The newly elected chairperson, Yasin Kyoota, said the new executive has already begun reforms.
On his first day in office, Kyoota oversaw the release of an association van that had been impounded at a police station for three months.
“These drivers earn little, yet a few individuals shared Shs184 million of their savings. We are reporting the matter to police and will pursue it up to the Anti-Corruption Court until every shilling is recovered,” Kyoota said.
He alleged that the former leadership collected Shs2,000 daily from each of the over 100 taxis operating in the municipality, suggesting that total collections could have exceeded Shs200 million, although the audit confirmed Shs184 million as unaccounted for.
“We will not accept this loss. Those responsible must refund the money,” Kyoota said.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the former leaders were unsuccessful by press time, as they could not be reached by phone.
Torch Media Africa
