Motorists in Kabale District have increased transport fares for both short- and long-distance journeys amid growing concern over rising fuel prices and intermittent fuel shortages.
Fuel prices have steadily increased in recent weeks following disruptions to global oil supplies linked to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.
Transport operators, particularly boda-boda riders and taxi drivers, say the rising cost of fuel is putting pressure on their businesses, forcing them to adjust fares in major towns and along long-distance routes.
In Kabale, a litre of diesel currently costs between 6,725 and 7,000 shillings, while petrol ranges from 6,780 to 6,875 shillings.
The Chairperson of the Kabale District Taxi Operators and Drivers Cooperative Union, Saturday Byamugisha, says the fare adjustments affect passengers travelling to various destinations within and outside the district.
Passengers travelling to Kagadi will now pay 70,000 shillings, while those heading to Kamwenge will pay 50,000 shillings. Fares to Kasese have risen to 40,000 shillings, Mbarara to 25,000 shillings, Rukungiri to 20,000 shillings, Ntungamo to 15,000 shillings and Rwampara to 20,000 shillings.
Other fares include 7,000 shillings to Muhanga, 20,000 shillings to Kisoro, 15,000 shillings to Rubaya, 20,000 shillings to Kisiizi, 7,000 shillings to Katuna and 12,000 shillings to Rubaare.
However, Byamugisha has cautioned drivers against exploiting the fuel price increases to overcharge passengers, urging them to maintain reasonable fares.
CUE IN: BYAMUGISHA ON TRANSPORT FARES RR…//
Meanwhile, Julius Akankunda, a boda-boda rider in Kabale Municipality, says fares within the municipality have increased by at least 1,000 shillings.
Akankunda attributes the increase to rising fuel prices at petrol stations in the town centre. He says the situation is affecting both passengers and transport operators, calling for mutual understanding as they navigate the rising costs.
At Esso Stage in Kabale, the chairperson, Alex Beinomugisha, says fares on some routes have also increased significantly.
According to Beinomugisha, transport from Esso Stage to Rubanda Town Council has risen from 5,000 to 10,000 shillings, while the fare to Muko has increased from 10,000 to 15,000 shillings. The fare to Kisoro has also risen from 15,000 to 20,000 shillings.
However, Beinomugisha says some passengers are resisting the new fares, while the number of travellers has declined, leaving drivers struggling to find customers.
He adds that some drivers can spend up to four days without securing a trip to Kisoro, further affecting their earnings.
CUE IN: BEINOMUGISHA ON TRANSPORT FARES RR…//
