Jinja, Mayuge and Buvuma Boat Operators Reject Shs450,000 Licensing Fees

Boat operators and fishermen operating along inland water bodies in Jinja, Mayuge, and Buvuma districts have strongly opposed a newly proposed government registration and licensing fee of Shs450,000 for passenger boats.

According to the affected vessel owners, the steep financial demand comes on top of various existing taxes and operational charges already levied by local governments. The operators argue that adding another heavy financial burden will make it nearly impossible for small-scale maritime businesses to survive, let alone afford critical safety gear such as life jackets for passengers.

While authorities push for better regulation and safety standards on the water, the resistance from local transporters highlights a widening gap between policy implementation and the economic reality faced by grassroots communities. Marine enforcement officials have previously warned of strict measures to ensure compliance, setting the stage for a tense standoff between the government and water transport workers.

Read more details on the Daily Monitor.