Few Travelers, High Fuel Prices make it hard for Kisoro drivers to hit 50%

Few Travelers, High Fuel Prices make it hard for Kisoro drivers to hit 50%

By Francis Nizeyimana

As the country enters day three of operation following the President’s decision to relax a countrywide lockdown, drivers working along Kisoro – Kabale route have decried the low turn up of passengers as well as the high prices of fuel.

The fare to Kabale from Kisoro to Kabale currently stands at UGX 30,000 while people proceeding to areas as far as Kampala must be prepared to pay between UGX 50,000 to 80,000.

During President Museveni’s last address to the nation, he mentioned that taxi and bus operators can resume their work and instructed that all passengers must be at 50% capacity.

The Chairperson Bus operators in Kisoro and manager of Horizon coaches Emmanuel Sebizuru said it is quite understandable that customers are still few because the lockdown left many without any source of income.

“Our bus companies were so eager to get back to work but we need to remember that people have not been working therefore it will take some time”, Sebizuru said

He explained that the bus companies have cautioned not to flout any of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) if they wish to keep operating.

Vomuhabura spoke to Jackson Niragire, a taxi driver who plys Kabale – Kisoro for his daily survival who said when President Museveni relaxed the lockdown, his family fell to their knees and thanked God because conditions had become unbearable.

Niragire noted that despite being allowed to work, the number of passengers is still very low and worse still, fuel prices have gone up.

“Fuel prices have hiked to 4,200 shillings per liter. We are only allowed to carry not more than three customers at a fee of 30,000. People have disappeared because they have no money”, Niragire said

KUBO urges Boda Bodas to Observe SOPs

The secretary general for Kisoro United Boda boda Operators (KUBO) Batamukoraho Baker has asked riders to follow standard operating procedures to avoid being chased away from the business.

The comments come following President Museveni decision to allow boda bodas to carry one passenger and work from morning until 6pm.

“My brothers let us follow all SOP since the president has relaxed the lock down. Don’t go beyond and carry two passengers because you will be arrested my friend and you will be punished”. Batamukoraho said