The Minister of State for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has directed the arrest of three leaders of the Bushenyi Taxi Owners and Drivers Association over the alleged misappropriation of Shs150 million belonging to members.
The three include Muhamed Lukwago, the Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality NRM chairperson and businessman, Silver Ntwirenabo and Ronald Tumusiime.
They are also accused of involvement in the burning of a vehicle belonging to the association, although details surrounding the incident remain unclear.
The arrests follow complaints by taxi operators who say they have been unable to recover their savings and contributions deposited with the association despite repeated demands for accountability.
John Nuwamanya, one of the taxi drivers, said members had made several attempts to recover their money but their complaints had been ignored by local leaders.
He accused Lukwago of using different unregistered associations to collect and manage money from taxi operators without proper accountability.
Another driver, Yasin Kyoota, accused the association’s executive of abusing its offices and misappropriating members’ funds and office equipment.Kyoota also made allegations linking Lukwago to recent panga attacks, murders and robberies in Ishaka, although no supporting evidence or police confirmation of the claims was provided in the account.
Barugahara directed that the three be arrested after they reportedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations and proper accountability for the missing funds collected from taxi operators.
The taxi operators are demanding accountability from those entrusted with managing their contributions, insisting that the association’s leadership must explain how the 150 million shillings went missing.
The matter raises questions about the management of members’ savings, the association’s registration status, and the oversight mechanisms available to protect taxi operators who contribute money through their leadership.