Transport costs rise during Christmas season in Uganda

As days come closer to the long awaited Christmas celebrations, increased transport fares have become an issue, which will probably block some people from traveling. Christmas (the birth of Jesus) is undeniably one of the most celebrated events in the world. Most people travel from near and far areas especially from cities to join their families up country to celebrate this yearly event. As always, most people have already started traveling from Kampala taking different directions to upcountry regions. As a law of demand applies, the overwhelming demand for travel is a reason for high transport rates. Also, high fuel prices have forced bus and taxi operators to increase transport fares.

The most affected people are those using public mean of transport such as buses, taxis and some boda bodas. Also, tourists and wildlife lovers using public transport to enjoy Uganda tourism especially gorilla trekking in Bwindi/Mgahinga gorilla national parks, game viewing and boat cruise in Murchison falls national park in north western Uganda among other tourist regions in remote areas. Bus fares have increased by Shs1, 000; Shs5, 000 and Shs50, 000 depending on the distance to be covered, the bus company and the route followed. Its only Y.Y Coaches and Fillister bus to northern Uganda that has maintained their initial prices. Since they started operating, Y.Y buses have never increased their prices charging Shs20, 000 while those tailing to soroti and Lira pay Shs25, 000 and Shs35, 000 respectively. Bus operators confirm that bus fares will increase further as days come closer to Christmas.

As of 20th December 2018, transport fares from Kampala to Juba are Shs100, 000 a rise from initial Shs50, 000 by ECO bus and friendship, for those travelling to Arua, current fares are Shs50, 000 a rise from Shs35, 000 previously. For those traveling with baby coach, transport is Shs450, 000 a rise from the original Shs35, 000 from Kampala to Arua. For those traveling with Executive Bus, traveling from Kampala to Gulu has risen from initial shsh25, 000 to Shs40;000 while the cost from Kampala to Elegu have increased fromShs30, 000 to Shs60, 000 with no bargaining.

Gaaga bus has also increased its fares by 10,000 adding to the previous fares. Traveling with Gaga from Kampala to Koboko has increased to Shs55,000 from initial Shs45,000 while traveling from Kampala to Pakwach pay Shs45,000 compared to initial Shs35,000 per person. In the same way, HMK buses have increased to Shs30,000 from the previous Shs25,000 while traveling fro Kampala to Kitgum pay Shs35,000 a rise from Shs30,000.

For Otada bus, which drives to northern Uganda in Gulu, Oyam, Lira and Kamdini among other northern regions, only Shs5000 has been added. The current transport fares to the listed areas by Otada bus is Shs250, 000 a rise from the initial Shs20, 000. Travelers with perfect bus to Rukungiri pay Shs40, 000 a rise from the previous Shs30, 000 while those from Kampala to Mbarara pay Shs30, 000 compared to the initial Shs20, 000. The charges for Savannah bus from Kampala to Rukungiri have also increased from Shs30, 000 to Shs40, 000 while traveling from Kampala to Kanungu is now Shs50, 000 a rise from the normal Shs40, 000.
In general, the increase of transport fares in Christmas season has raised complaints from various travelers. This call for increased expenses, which will obviously stop some people from traveling.