Taxi drivers protest alleged harassment, extortion along Kabale-Kisoro Road

Taxi drivers operating along the Kabale-Kisoro road yesterday stormed the offices of the Rubanda Resident District Commissioner, protesting what they describe as harassment and extortion by security officers.

During a heated meeting yesterday at the Rubanda District Rukiko Hall, the drivers accused security officers of unfairly targeting taxi operators, alleging that some drivers are intercepted, beaten and forced to pay money without being issued receipts.

In a separate incident, drivers including Ambrose Arikiriza and John Arineitwe alleged they were intercepted by security officers last weekend, beaten and forced to pay 700,000 and 380,000 shillings respectively on the orders of the RDC and DPC.

Other including Gerald Atuyambe, Martin Twesigye and Melvin Arinda, accused the security officials of frequently stopping taxis on the highway, saying the operations have left them living in fear of accidents.

The RDC and DPC defended the enforcement, saying it is intended to ensure compliance with traffic laws and curb accidents along the road, while promising investigations to identify and apprehend any officers implicated in the alleged misconduct.