Taxi operators explain festive fare hikes ahead of Christmas
According to industry leaders, many taxis transport passengers from Kampala to rural areas but return empty, forcing operators to cover fuel and operational costs without income.
Uganda Taxi Operators’ Federation (UTOF) chairperson Rashid Ssekindi urged operators not to overhike fares and warned against reckless driving during the festive rush.
KAMPALA - Taxi operators have justified the recent increase in public transport fares ahead of the Christmas festive season, citing high costs incurred on return journeys from upcountry destinations.
According to industry leaders, many taxis transport passengers from Kampala to rural areas but return empty, forcing operators to cover fuel and operational costs without income.
To offset these losses, fares on long-distance routes have been increased by between sh5,000 and sh10,000.
At the Kampala–Hoima route, fares have risen from sh20,000 to sh30,000, while the Mityana–Mubende route now charges between sh12,000 and sh15,000, up from the usual sh10,000.
Uganda Taxi Operators’ Federation (UTOF) chairperson Rashid Ssekindi urged operators not to overhike fares and warned against reckless driving during the festive rush. He also advised travellers to use gazetted taxi parks and avoid last-minute travel.
The remarks were made during a UTOF meeting held in Kampala ahead of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s planned campaign activities in the city, where taxi operators pledged to give him a warm welcome, citing his support for the industry, including the suspension of the Express Penalty System.