Northern Uganda Bus Operators Increase Fares Amid Soaring Fuel Costs

Travelers heading from Northern Uganda to Kampala must dig deeper into their pockets following a recent transport fare hike implemented by regional bus and taxi operators. Taking effect on November 1, the new rates apply to key routes connecting districts such as Lira, Apac, and Aduku to the capital.

Bernard Anyeko Masango, spokesperson for the Northern Uganda Drivers and Transport Network Association, explained that the decision followed extensive consultations among transport stakeholders. He noted that the adjustments are vital to keep transport businesses afloat amidst skyrocketing fuel prices and escalating operational expenses spanning the West Nile, Lango, Acholi, and Karamoja sub-regions.

Under the revised pricing structure, passengers traveling from Lira to Kampala now pay Shs50,000 for executive coaches and Shs40,000 for ordinary services. Travelers from Apac face fares of Shs60,000 and Shs50,000 respectively, while those boarding from Aduku pay Shs50,000 for executive and Shs45,000 for ordinary options. Fares from other transit points like Kamdini, Karuma, Bweyale, and Kigumba have also seen proportional increases.

Transport operators argue the hikes are unavoidable. Jimmy Agong, a taxi driver on the Lira-Elegu route, noted that return journey fuel costs surged from roughly Shs330,000 to Shs480,000 as pump prices climbed to around Shs7,200 per litre. Dennis Okwir, manager of Real Coach Bus Services in Lira, echoed these sentiments, revealing that companies had been operating at a loss for months because a full bus load under the old fares failed to even cover fuel expenses.

Operators have assured the public that fares will be reassessed and potentially lowered if fuel prices eventually drop. For further details on the transport adjustments, read the original report on Nile Post.