FDC Slams Government Over Unfulfilled Kampala Mass Transit Promises

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has publicly challenged the government, demanding an explanation for the persistent failure to implement mass public transport systems in Greater Kampala. This criticism comes as authorities initiate a 100-day operation to regulate taxis.

Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, the FDC’s deputy president, stated that the current taxi crackdown exposes a significant gap between government promises and actual delivery of alternative transportation solutions. He urged the government to first account for previous transport plans that have seemingly vanished.

Fungaroo recalled a 2006 plan to introduce 400 city buses, which never materialized as a sustainable mass transit option. Further, the National Transport Master Plan and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Transport Master Plan (2008-2023) proposed phasing out minibuses and introducing higher-capacity systems like stage buses. This plan, however, expired in 2023 without bringing about the promised transformation.

The party also pointed to the private sector’s attempts, such as the Pioneer Easy Bus initiative launched in 2012, which faced challenges in expanding its fleet as intended. Other private ventures like Awakula Enume buses also failed to offer a lasting solution.

A recurring point of contention is the repeated promise of a light rail mass transit system for Greater Kampala. This project has been featured in successive NRM manifestos since 2016, with specific plans outlined for Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono, and proposed routes to areas like Port Bell and Namanve. Despite appearing in multiple manifesto cycles, actual construction has not begun.

The FDC also raised concerns about the significant funds allocated to transport planning and feasibility studies over the years, questioning the tangible outcomes. They are demanding to know when the light rail project will finally commence.

Fungaroo warned that the lack of viable alternatives will leave commuters stranded during the taxi crackdown and put further strain on the existing network. The FDC insists that enforcement alone is insufficient and calls for the parallel implementation of the Greater Kampala transport plan to address the city’s long-standing public transport crisis.

Source: Nile Post