Ugandans planning to leave Kampala to their villages for Christmas should have left already as transport fares continue soaring with higher demand for buses going to the countryside.
A visit to different bus and taxi parks indicates the most affected routes as those distant ones especially to the East and the western parts of the Country. In these areas, fares have more than doubled and will get worse by weekend.
According to drivers of different companies, buses are almost empty on their return journeys prompting them to hike the rate for Kampala outbound journeys.
Currently, the fare to Kisoro district has increased to more than 40,000 Shillings from the usual 30,000 Shillings rate and is likely to increase to even 60,000 as Christmas draws close.
Mbarara has been increased from 20,000 Shillings to 30,000 Shillings Ntungamo and beyond is between 40,000 and 70,000 Shillings.
Looking at the fares to the northern route, Transport to Adjumani District is now 50,000 from the usual 35,000 Shillings, Koboko ranges between 50,000 and 60,000 up from 40,000 Shillings; while Juba in South Sudan has gone to 100,000 Shillings for ordinary buses and 120,000 Shillings for the executive service.
However, one bus company, Gaaga Bus Services in Kampala intends to make an exception and ensure that their fares do not increase beyond 5000 shillings. This is according to Jackson Wacibra, the company Manager. He adds that they have increased the number of buses on each route to avoid return journeys.
