Last-Minute Christmas Rush: Travelers Dig Deep for Transport.
With just hours to Christmas, the number of passengers thronging various tax parks to travel to upcountry has increased, pushing transport fares up.
By yesterday, there was an influx of passengers along different bus terminals, who stood in long queues, waiting to board the next bus or taxi. The surge in the numbers has, however, put immense pressure on those in the transport industry and they have increased transport fares, in total disregard of a government order not to hike the fees.
For those taking the south western and western routes, the transport fares based on Global Bus Bakuli terminal, have been hiked, with an extra 10,000 to 20,000 Shillings, respectively from the known fares.
From Kampala-Lukaya-Masaka for instance, the fares have been increased from the usual 20,000 to 30,000 shillings.
Those travelling from Kampala to Mbarara now have to pay50,000 up from 30,000 Shillings and those plying Mbarara-Kasese-Fort Portal route have to pay 50,000 from 40,000 Shillings. From Kampala to Kisoro, passengers are being charged 100,000, up from 70,000 shillings while those travelling to Kabale District have to pay 90,000, up from 60,000 shillings.
The fares to Kampala-Ishaka, Mbarara and Bushenyi have also increased from 30,000 to 50,000 shillings.
