A group of taxi operators in Kampala have started a legal battle to take over ownership of the old and new taxi parks from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

The taxi drivers have applied for a lease offer from the Kampala District Land Board to manage the taxi parks, arguing that they should be given priority as sitting tenants.

The ownership of the Old and New taxi parks is still under dispute, after it was reportedly sold to several city tycoons by the defunct Kampala City Council (KCC).

KCCA took over the management of the taxi business, but the land titles for both taxi parks have not yet been renewed due to a protracted legal battle over their ownership. The lease for the old taxi park reportedly expired in 1995.

The taxi drivers made a joint application for the land titles through their associations, the Drivers and Conductors Central Association (DACCA) and the National Union of Taxi Operators (NUTO).

During their meeting at Nsambya Sharing Hall, DACCA chairperson, Mustapha Mayambala said they were prepared to start renovating the parks.

"The traders at St Balikuddembe market, Kisekka market and City abattoir acquired land titles for the land where they operate. We also want to manage the parks ourselves," he said.

The city land board chairperson, Yusuf Nsibambi confirmed receiving the lease application from the drivers and said they would decide on the matter.

"It is true they applied and the file is still under consideration," he told the New Vision on Friday.