Former drivers of the Fly Express Travellers Association say they are struggling with what they describe as lost savings and unresolved grievances, claiming that years of contributions made to the association’s welfare scheme have not translated into the benefits they expected.
The drivers allege that funds they consistently saved while working under the association were either withheld or not fully accounted for after their exit, prompting some of them to seek government intervention.
One of the complainants, Akim Mugisha, said the affected members feel betrayed and are now calling for an independent probe into how the association has been managed over the years.
“We contributed our money over the years believing it would secure our future. Some members feel they have not received what they expected and want authorities to investigate how the association has been managed,” Mugisha said.
The aggrieved former drivers have since petitioned the Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, asking him to step in and order a review of the leadership and financial management of the association.
They also accuse the leadership of unfair dismissals, arguing that some members were removed without clear accountability and later denied access to their savings and benefits.
However, leaders of the Fly Express Travellers Association have strongly rejected the accusations, describing them as misleading and driven by individuals who were disciplined for violating internal rules.
Association Chairperson Peter Kaggwa said the claims being circulated do not reflect the actual operations of the organisation, insisting that all procedures were followed in managing both discipline and members’ savings.
He explained that the association’s savings scheme was introduced collectively by members as a long-term welfare and financial empowerment initiative.
“The savings programme was introduced by the drivers themselves. It has helped many members improve their livelihoods and prepare for the future. Unfortunately, a few individuals who did not fully embrace the programme now want to discredit the association,” Kaggwa said.
Kaggwa further maintained that disciplinary actions taken against some drivers were carried out in line with established procedures after repeated violations of the association’s rules.
He also defended the handling of savings, saying all eligible members were paid in accordance with the association’s records and agreed processes.
The leadership added that members had earlier agreed to invest part of the pooled savings in land as a long-term asset for the association.
“Every member who had savings was paid according to the records available. Decisions regarding association resources are made collectively through official meetings, not by individual leaders,” Kaggwa said.
The association has urged former members with complaints to use internal dispute resolution mechanisms instead of escalating the matter publicly, saying dialogue remains the best path forward.
Founded in 2016, the Fly Express Travellers Association operates along the Entebbe Expressway corridor, combining passenger transport services with member welfare and savings programmes.
The dispute highlights recurring tensions in transport associations, where questions of governance, financial accountability, and disciplinary processes often lead to public disagreements and calls for regulatory intervention.
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