As Christmas approaches, many travellers in Uganda are feeling the impact of rising transport fares. With just a week to go until the holiday, transport operators have raised prices significantly, making it harder for families to travel upcountry.
Passengers travelling from Kampala to various destinations are now facing fare hikes. For example, fares on eastern routes have gone up by Shs5,000, while passengers on western routes are seeing increases of up to Shs20,000.
At the Old Taxi Park in Kampala, travellers heading to places like Mbale and Tororo are now paying between Shs30,000 and Shs45,000. Previously, the fare to Mbale was Shs25,000. Meanwhile, routes to Jinja and Mayuge now cost between Shs15,000 and Shs17,000.
Transport operators explained that these increases are due to fewer passengers returning after the holidays.
Several factors are contributing to these fare hikes. Firstly, there is an imbalance in passenger numbers; with many people leaving for the holidays and fewer returning, transporters feel the need to raise fares to stay profitable.
Secondly, rising fuel prices have been cited as a reason for the increases. Companies like Jaguar Bus Services have indicated that higher fuel costs are forcing them to adjust their fares.
Lastly, increased operational costs during the festive season have also played a role. Transport operators face extra expenses for vehicle maintenance and running costs. The closure of Karuma Bridge has led operators to take longer routes, further increasing their costs.
However, some companies have decided to keep their prices steady. Tausi Bus Services and YY Coaches have chosen not to raise fares in order to help budget-conscious travellers.
Here is the list of transport charges from Kampala City, showing both the old and new fares:
1. Kisoro
– Old Fare: Shs50,000
– New Fare: Shs70,000
2. Kabaale
– Old Fare: Shs40,000
– New Fare: Shs60,000
3. Kigali, Rwanda
– Old Fare: Shs80,000
– New Fare: Shs100,000
4. Goma, DR Congo
– Old Fare: Shs80,000
– New Fare: Shs110,000
5. Ishaka
– Old Fare: Shs30,000
– New Fare: Shs30,000
6. Mbarara
– Old Fare: Shs30,000
– New Fare: Shs30,000
7. Bushenyi
– Old Fare: Shs30,000
– New Fare: Shs30,000
8. Lukaya-Masaka
– Old Fare: Shs20,000
– New Fare: Shs20,000
9. Mbarara-Kasese-Fort Portal
– Old Fare: Shs40,000
– New Fare: Shs40,000
10. Kakagati via Isingiro
– Old Fare: Shs40,000
– New Fare: Shs40,000
11. Mbale
– Old Fare: Shs30,000
– New Fare: Shs30,000
12. Soroti
– Old Fare: Shs35,000
– New Fare: Shs35,000
13. Lira
– Old Fare: Shs40,000
– New Fare: Shs40,000
14. Arua
– Old Fare: Shs60,000
– New Fare: Shs60,000
15. Yumbe, Koboko
– Old Fare: Shs70,000
– New Fare: Shs70,000
16. Juba
– Old Fare: Shs130,000
– New Fare: Shs130,000
17. Nairobi
– Old Fare: Shs100,000
– New Fare: Shs100,000
As families prepare for Christmas travel, it is clear that rising transport fares are adding stress during what is usually a happy time of year. Travellers are encouraged to plan their journeys early to avoid last-minute surprises and high costs.
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