TRANSPORT FARES RISE DURING IDD-AL-ADHA CELEBRATIONS.

Travelers stranded at the old taxi park in Kampala

By LUKWAGO ABRAHAM JESSE

22/Aug/2018.

KAMPALA-Many bus and taxi operators increased transport costs especially those that work along up-country routes.

Many people were seen stranded in the taxi parks because they couldn’t afford transport fares to their villages.

Wasswa Joseph one of the travelers said that it was very unfair of the taxi operators to inconsiderately hike the transport fares. He mentioned that a journey from Kampala to Masaka a few days ago was costing around 15,000 USH and currently costs 20,000 USH , from Kampala to Fort portal , 20,000 USH  was charged which now has hiked  to 2,5000 USH.  From Kampala to Masindi 20,000 USH was charged which has as well hiked to 25,000 USH   making it unaffordable.

Another stranded traveler Mr. Damulila Moses said,  “ we have been standing here for several hours hoping that the taxi operators will reduce the fares but it`s  all in vain, so I think many of us who cannot afford the fares shall have to celebrate the big day from our homes here in Kampala.’’

On the contrary, the taxi drivers seemed not to be bothered by the traveler’s complaints as they were not willing to reduce the fares. Musana Emmanuel one of the taxi operators at old taxi park in Kampala said that when many of them reach their up-country destinations, there taxis return to Kampala empty with barely any passengers to head back with Kampala which is a great loss to them.