Online taxi drivers under their umbrella body the Smart Online Drivers Association (Soda) have petition parliament over unfair working conditions and exploitation.
While meeting the Speaker of Parliament early this week, the drivers said they were prompted to take their issues before the legislative assembly after failing to meet with the local management of the networks, who declined to deal with associations or groups but individual drivers.
They said that online taxi companies like Uber and Taxify in Uganda have exploited them by deducting a 25 per cent commission despite charging very low rates for their clientele.
Musa Kabunga, the Chairperson of the Association said that some of their drivers have been deactivated without notice, which has affected the individuals dealing in the business.
“World over, Uber and Taxify have been criticized for their unfair treatment of driver in terms of pricing. These complaints have occurred in the US, UK and Kenya where drivers went on strike resulting in the government harmonizing the fares,” said Kabunga.
“SODA has made attempts to seek audience with the partners in vain.These partners say that they do not deal with associations or groups of people but rather only with individuals.”
Speaker Kadaga acknowledged the impact of technology which had changed the way business is done in the country and the word.
“Technology is here and the world has gone digital, so we must find a way of harmonizing what constitutes a contract once you enter into business with those applications,” she said.
She also said that it was necessary to identify in which ministry to place the online taxi hire drivers so as to properly streamline their business.
