Jinja plans two taxi parks to ease city congestion

Summary:

• Jinja authorities plan to ease city congestion by creating two taxi parks, but the proposal faces concerns from various stakeholders, including taxi operators and market traders.

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Jinja authorities plan to alleviate city congestion by establishing two designated taxi parks, according to Mr. Charles Nampendho, the City Senior Physical Planner. The proposed taxi parks are intended for taxis arriving from Iganga highway at Mailo Mbili and those from the Kampala-Jinja highway at Amber Court roundabout.

Mr. Nampendho clarified that taxis entering the city will pass through without stopping, aiming to streamline traffic flow. The current city center taxi park is slated to transform into a parking area for customers of Jinja Central Market, with plans to construct 200 lock-ups for approximately 500 individuals.

Despite support for the idea of relocating the taxi park from the central business area, Mr. Khalid Muyingo, chairperson of Jinja Taxi Park Operators Association, expressed concerns about the lack of available free land and suggested street parking for market customers.

On the other hand, Mr. Henry Mugimba, chairperson of Jinja Central Market, and Mr. Eria Musobya, chairperson of Jinja Boda Boda Riders Association, voiced reservations about the potential negative impact on traders and boda boda riders, respectively. They emphasized the risk of losing customers and income if the taxi park is moved near the highway.

Jinja, which achieved city status in July 2020, expanded by incorporating former Jinja Municipality, Bugembe Town Council, Mafubira, and Budondo sub-counties as part of the city’s prerequisites.

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