At all the six city bus terminals of Global, Kisenyi, Namayiba, Link, Tausi and Kalita, many travellers could be seen with their luggage, wondering what to do next. For some, the option of boarding either one of the few available 14-seater taxis or 30-seat coasters was a possible option but this would come at a cost.
Taxi operators have quickly taken advantage of the unfolding transport emergency to double, and in some cases, triple their fares, leaving those who cannot afford the new rates stuck.
A very frustrated Rebecca Nabwe, whom we found at Kisenyi Bus Terminal, had planned to travel to Mbarara yesterday morning for a family visit. However, her journey was halted by the bus strike. She couldn’t travel because of the inflated transport fares being charged by taxis.
“We are suffering. A Coaster [omnibus] to Mbarara now costs Shs70,000 and a taxi costs Shs90,000, from Shs30,000 using a bus. I can’t travel to see my parents, I will travel when the situation normalises because I can’t afford the fares,” Ms Nabwe said.
Another affected traveller, Mr Brian Ogwok, who was travelling to Lira District, decried the sudden spike in transport fares and asked government to intervene.
“The taxi operators have now taken advantage of the fact that bus operators are on strike and they are exploiting travellers who are desperate to travel. Something should be done by the authorities,” Mr Ogwok said.
Transport Fares to Different Routes as of August 23, 2023
| Route | Bus Fare (Shs) | Taxi Fare (Shs) | Omnibus Fare (Shs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mbarara | 30,000 | 90,000 | 70,000 |
| Gulu | 35,000 | 50,000 | 40,000 |
| Lira | 35,000 | 50,000 | 40,000 |
| Arua | 50,000 | 70,000 | 50,000 |
| Amuru | 50,000 | 60,000 | 60,000 |
| Nebbi | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
| Yumbe | 65,000 | 70,000 | 65,000 |
| Kitgum | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
| Soroti | 35,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
| Kabale | 40,000 | 45,000 | 45,000 |
| Rukungiri | 40,000 | 45,000 | 40,000 |
| Ibanda | 35,000 | 35,000 | 35,000 |
| Kagadi | 30,000 | 50,000 | 40,000 |
| Masindi | 20,000 | 30,000 | 25,000 |
| Hoima | 25,000 | 30,000 | 25,000 |
| Bushenyi | 40,000 | 50,000 | 45,000 |
| Fort Portal | 40,000 | 45,000 | 40,000 |
| Kasese | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| Kyegewa | 25,000 | 30,000 | 30,000 |
| Ntungamo | 35,000 | 40,000 | 35,000 |
| Kamwenge | 45,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| Bushenyi | 40,000 | 60,000 | 50,000 |
| Kyegewa | 25,000 | 35,000 | 30,000 |
| Kagadi | 30,000 | 30,000 | 30,000 |
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