Summary:
- Uganda’s bus transport system is in disrepair, and those tasked with fixing it appear either corrupt or indifferent.
OPED: Traveling by bus in Uganda, particularly from southwestern Uganda to Kampala, is a nightmare. I’ve used nearly every bus company, and they all seem to fall short. The level of service is so poor it feels as if the operators are challenging us to complain. Unfortunately, we’re left with these inadequate options.
The most frustrating aspect is the time wasted. You might board a bus at 2 PM, only to be assured it will leave in ten minutes. Hours later, you’re still waiting. When I once tried to voice my frustration, a staff member responded, “If you don’t come back, what will I lose?” That’s how little regard they have for customers. The false assurances and neglect make it seem as though causing passenger discomfort is routine.
Once the bus finally begins its journey, conditions often deteriorate further. Buses are overcrowded, with the number of standing passengers sometimes equal to those seated. It’s a hazardous situation. Traffic officers show indifference, ignoring the lack of seatbelts and other safety concerns. They seem more preoccupied with other matters, leaving passengers to face the risks.
Inside the bus, it feels like being trapped in a filthy, cramped box. The seats are so tight that they appear designed for discomfort. Tall passengers, in particular, are left struggling for space. The buses are packed to maximize profit, with no consideration for passenger comfort.
When things go wrong, such as a breakdown, passengers are left to fend for themselves. There’s no compensation, no apologies, nothing. You risk losing money, luggage, or precious time, and it seems irrelevant to the operators. Promises of free WiFi and other amenities are often just empty claims. In contrast, foreign buses that pass through Uganda offer a cleaner, more comfortable, and reliable experience. Why can’t our local buses match this standard?
It’s alarming that the Ministry of Transport only seems to respond when a major accident occurs. What about the daily struggles passengers face? Where is the ministry when buses are dirty, overloaded, and unsafe? Their silence is troubling.
The police are no better. Despite the frequent, tragic bus accidents, no significant changes occur. How can nearly 100 people die in crashes every month without anyone in power taking action? It feels as though the government is neglecting its duty, and we’re paying the price with our lives. It’s disgraceful that these issues aren’t even addressed in Parliament. This is a crisis, yet those responsible for resolving it remain silent.
Uganda’s bus transport system is in disrepair, and those tasked with fixing it appear either corrupt or indifferent. The Ministry of Transport, the police, and our MPs must awaken to the severity of the situation. This isn’t merely about poor service; it’s about safeguarding lives. We cannot continue to endure these conditions due to mismanagement and greed.
The writer is the LC 5 Male Youth Councillor for Rubanda District.
By Wilfred Arinda Nshekantebirwe
