The Entebbe Stages, Conductors, and Drivers Association (ESCADA) and Fly Express operators have finally resolved their disagreements and decided to operate together smoothly. Their relationship has been tense due to disputes over stage allocations and operating conditions.
Escada drivers have been accusing Fly Express of enjoying preferential treatment in stage allocations, leading to protests and clashes with police.
In July 2025, the situation escalated into violence, with Escada drivers clashing with Fly Express operators, resulting in injuries and arrests. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The police and local authorities have been involved in mediating the dispute, following the Works and Transport Minister, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, who instructed the Uganda Taxi Operators Federation (UTOF) to engage with local authorities to resolve the standoff.
The Fly Express operators, a taxi service operating on the Entebbe Expressway, have been recommended with a reputation for smartness and good mechanical condition of vehicles leaving the Entebbe Stages, Conductors, and Drivers Association (ESCADA) with a small portion of passengers.
According to Fabric Rulinda, the Mayor of Entebbe municipality, several meetings and negotiations have been held to a resolution where both parties agreed to operate in a calm and conducive manner.
“We have met with both Fly Express leaders and Escada leaders to discuss the regularisation of their status to improve services, and here we are,” he said.
The ESCADA boss, Abiola Walakira, also known as Chief Abiola urged drivers to remain calm and work towards a resolution, with the Entebbe Municipal Council boss promising to address concerns around stage allocations and operating conditions.
Wakiso District Resident Commissioner (RDC), Justine Mbabazi, appreciated the Entebbe mayor and all mediators who have brought together these two associations.
“We are here purposely to witness the MOU between the two parties, so from today onwards we have agreed that the Fly Express operators and ESCADA drivers are going to operate jointly in transporting Ugandans along the Entebbe – Kampala route,” she noted.
The Chairperson of the Fly Express Travellers Association, Peter Kagwa, explained that several mediation procedures have been initiated by different authorities, and they are pleased to have reached a resolution, adding, “We have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the good and betterment of our job.”
Both parties were asked to work together so that they can achieve everything and the public was also urged to make choices preferably.
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