Gov’t to Discuss Fares with Bus Operators ahead of Christmas

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Summary:

• The Ministry of Works and Transport plans to meet with transport operators in Uganda to address concerns over rising public transport fares before the festive season, with General Edward Katumba Wamala aiming to generate consensus and ensure consideration for passengers.

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The Ministry of Works and Transport is planning to engage transport operators in an effort to control unwarranted increases in public transport fares leading up to the festive season.

General Edward Katumba Wamala announced that his Ministry will hold a meeting with the leaders of the Uganda Taxi and Drivers Association (UTODA), the Federation of Taxi Operators (UTOF), and the Uganda Bus Drivers and Allied Association early next week to establish a consensus on fare rates.

Concerns were raised by Members of Parliament on Wednesday regarding excessively high and exploitative public transport fares for motorists operating on the Northern, West Nile, Eastern, and Western routes of Uganda as Christmas approaches, burdening travelers.

Nathan Byanyima, Chairperson of the Bus Drivers and Owners Association and also the Bukanga County Member of Parliament, defended the high fares charged by buses, citing the need for cost management as fleets return empty to Kampala after transporting passengers.

Speaker Anita Among contested this justification, urging bus operators to be considerate and avoid profiting excessively from vulnerable passengers in the midst of challenging economic times.

General Katumba emphasized that the forthcoming meeting, scheduled for next week on a yet-to-be-announced day, will address concerns about public transport fares, overspeeding, and safety measures to prevent accidents during the festive season.

According to a Traffic Police report, over 70 people lost their lives during the Christmas festive week in 2022, with causes attributed to overspeeding, drink driving, and carelessness, among other factors.

A visit to some bus terminals by our reporter revealed slight increases in transport fares. At Namayiba and Bombo Road bus terminals, fares from Kampala to Gulu City have risen to 35,000 shillings from 30,000 shillings, Kitgum to 45,000 shillings from 40,000 shillings, and Kaabong to 60,000 shillings from 55,000 shillings.

Meanwhile, at Kisenyi Bus Terminal, fares to Kasese, Fort Portal, Bundibugyo, and Hoima remained unchanged.

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