Christmas travel costs surge, passengers frustrated over rising fares
Transport operators attribute the fare hikes to several factors. One bus operator said the imbalance in passenger flow during the festive season has pushed prices higher.
With Christmas just a week away, many Ugandans travelling upcountry are grappling with rising transport fares. Passengers departing from Kampala to various destinations have reported fare increases of up to Shs20,000, leaving families struggling to afford travel during the festive season.
At the Old Taxi Park in Kampala, passengers expressed frustration over the unexpected hikes. “I planned to visit my parents in Mbale, but the fares are unbearable,” said Peter Katende. “Last year, it was Shs25,000, but now I’m being charged Shs45,000. How do they expect us to manage?”
Travellers heading to Jinja and Mayuge are also feeling the pinch, with fares rising from Shs10,000 to Shs17,000. Those heading to Kisoro are paying Shs70,000, up from Shs50,000, while fares to Kabale have jumped from Shs40,000 to Shs60,000.
Transport operators attribute the fare hikes to several factors. One bus operator said the imbalance in passenger flow during the festive season has pushed prices higher.
“Most people are leaving Kampala for the holidays, but there are fewer passengers returning. This forces us to adjust fares to cover operational costs,” he explained.
Rising fuel prices are another major contributor. “Fuel costs have gone up significantly, and we can’t absorb the expenses alone,” said a representative from Jaguar Bus Services.
Additionally, the closure of Karuma Bridge has forced operators to take longer alternative routes, increasing fuel consumption and travel time.
“We are covering extra distances, which translates into higher expenses,” said a driver heading to Gulu.
Many travellers feel the fare hikes are unfair, especially during the festive season. “We save all year to spend time with family, but these increases are making it impossible,” lamented Margaret Nansubuga, who was planning to travel to Kabale.
Others called for stricter regulations in the transport sector. “The government should intervene to control these price hikes. Every year, transporters exploit us,” said Joseph Mukasa, a traveller heading to Kisoro.
While many companies have increased fares, some operators like Tausi Bus Services and YY Coaches have maintained their rates, a move that has won praise from budget-conscious passengers.
As Ugandans prepare to reunite with their loved ones for Christmas, the rising cost of travel remains a significant burden for many. Travellers are urged to plan early to avoid last-minute surprises and explore alternative transport options where possible.
Here is the list of transport charges from Kampala City, showing both the old and new fares:
- Kisoro
– Old Fare: Shs50,000
– New Fare: Shs70,000
- Kabaale
– Old Fare: Shs40,000
– New Fare: Shs60,000
- Kigali, Rwanda
– Old Fare: Shs80,000
– New Fare: Shs100,000
- Goma, DR Congo
– Old Fare: Shs80,000
– New Fare: Shs110,000
- Ishaka
– Old Fare: Shs30,000
– New Fare: Shs30,000
- Mbarara
– Old Fare: Shs30,000
– New Fare: Shs30,000
- Bushenyi
– Old Fare: Shs30,000
– New Fare: Shs30,000
- Lukaya-Masaka
– Old Fare: Shs20,000
– New Fare: Shs20,000
- Mbarara-Kasese-Fort Portal
– Old Fare: Shs40,000
– New Fare: Shs40,000
- Kakagati via Isingiro
– Old Fare: Shs40,000
– New Fare: Shs40,000
- Mbale
– Old Fare: Shs30,000
– New Fare: Shs30,000
- Soroti
– Old Fare: Shs35,000
– New Fare: Shs35,000
- Lira
– Old Fare: Shs40,000
– New Fare: Shs40,000
- Arua
– Old Fare: Shs60,000
– New Fare: Shs60,000
- Yumbe, Koboko
– Old Fare: Shs70,000
– New Fare: Shs70,000
- Juba
– Old Fare: Shs130,000
– New Fare: Shs130,000
- Nairobi
– Old Fare: Shs100,000
– New Fare: Shs100,000
