Kabale Taxi Operators Hike Fares Amid Rising Fuel Prices and Cost of Living.

Taxi operators in Kabale Municipality have announced an increase in transport fares on several routes, citing rising fuel prices and the high cost of living.The fare adjustments come as petrol prices approach 7,000 shillings per litre, with operators warning that maintaining the previous rates would threaten their businesses.

Kabale Taxi Operators Chairperson Saturday Byamugisha said the increase has been driven by rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance expenses and the price of spare parts. Under the new rates, fares from Kabale to Rubaare have doubled from 6,000 to 12,000 shillings, while the Ntungamo route has increased to 15,000 from between 7,000 and 10,000 shillings.

Travellers heading to Mbarara will now pay 25,000 shillings, up from between 15,000 and 20,000, Rukungiri fares have risen from 15,000 to 20,000 shillings, while Kasese has increased from 30,000 to 40,000 shillings. Transport to Kagadi now costs 70,000 shillings, up from 60,000.

Kabale District Bus Operators Association Chairperson Henry Tindyebwa said bus operators have also raised fares as they work towards establishing standard rates. The Kabale-to-Kampala bus fare has increased from 35,000 to 50,000 shillings.

A survey conducted by our reporter in Kabale Municipality found petrol selling at between 6,680 and 6,999 shillings per litre, while diesel costs between 6,950 and 7,199 shillings.