Transport fares start to increase ahead of Martyrs Day

Wakiso, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The diversions that have been caused by the huge number of pilgrims arriving at Namugongo for the Martyrs Day Celebrations have forced public transport operators to increase fares.

Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, said on Wednesday that a decision had been reached to protect pilgrims from being knocked while in Namugongo areas and some roads shall be closed.

As a result, vehicles from Kireka to Kyaliwajjala and Namugongo including those from Kampala heading to Sonde, Goma, Masindye, Nabusugwe and Bukerere have been directed to use Mbalwa road, join Bweyogerere -Butto road or use Kireka-Bweyogerere and join Sonde which has made the journeys become longer.

In response to journeys that have become longer, drivers and commercial motorcycle riders have increased the charges. For instance, taxis that have been charging 2,000 shillings from Kireka to Namugongo are now charging 3,000 shillings.

Taxis from Kireka to Sonde, Goma, Misindye, Jogo and Bukerere have increased the fares from 3,000 shillings to 4,000 shillings.

Most of the taxis and Costas from Old Taxi Park heading to Namugongo, Kira, Bulindo, Bukerere, Sonde, Namusugwe, Kasaayi up to Mayangayanga have increased fares by 1,000 shillings.

“We have been charging 2,000 shillings to transport passengers from Agenda to Bukerere because we’re using the main road of Kyaliwajjala, Namugongo –Sonde. But now we’re passing in Mbalwa, Butto, and St Luke to connect to Sonde. This journey has doubled and we have increased the fares by 1,000 shillings,” Martin Muluwa a taxi driver at Agenda said.

Bodaboda riders have also doubled the charges

From Kyaliwajjala to Kireka, Boda boda riders have been charging 2,000 shillings but they are now charging 4,000 shillings. From Kyaliwajjala to Namugongo Anglican Shrines Bodaboda riders who are using Semambo are charging 5,000 shillings.

“This is the time we have also to make some money. It comes once in a year and we cannot keep charging the same amount. The journeys have not increased so much but we are using dusty roads and we have to compensate for that,” a Bodaboda rider who identified himself as Fik said.

The Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, who has toured the Catholic and Anglican shrines urged pilgrims to remain vigilant and focused while at any of the venues.

All pilgrims, according to police, must familiarize themselves with emergency exits for use when necessary, watch the body language of all people around them and exercise caution when revealing their location online.

Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson urged pilgrims and every person who will be at Namugongo to carry an ID or other identification documents, keep an eye on their personal belongings, wallet, mobile phones and other objects of value; avoid leaving elders or children alone.

“For instance, two children strayed away from their parents, but were traced, recovered and reunited with their mothers. Be aware of strangers, ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, let your family and friends know where you are. All persons with disabilities should know that preparations have been made for them,” Enanga said.

At the Catholic shrines, the organizers from Nebbi Diocese have a deficit of only 100 million shillings out of the more than one billion shillings needed to organize a successful event while at the Anglican, Bishop Reuben Kisembo, of Rwenzori Diocese promised to have a memorable event even though they had a deficit of more than 500 million shilling of their planned budget.

Police said operations targeting criminals have yielded results as they were yet to register cases of pilgrims who have been attacked or robbed of their belongings.

Security commanded by SP Brighton Ahimbisamukama arrested over 60 suspects in operations that started on Sunday night up to Tuesday.

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