The festive season is in full swing, and with Christmas just days away, transport fares across Uganda are rising sharply as travelers prepare to head to their upcountry homes. At major bus and taxi parks in Kampala, fares for long routes have seen significant increases, with transporters citing a combination of factors such as low passenger numbers on return trips, rising fuel prices, and seasonal demand.
In Kampala’s Old Taxi Park, passengers heading to destinations such as Mbale, Tororo, Pallisa, and Soroti now pay between Shs30,000 and Shs45,000, a sharp increase from previous fares. Routes like Jinja and Mayuge have also seen hikes, with fares now ranging between Shs15,000 and Shs17,000. Travelers heading to eastern Uganda, specifically Mbale, face fares of up to Shs30,000 compared to Shs25,000 previously.
Paul Nsereko Lukabwe, a transporter at the Old Taxi Park, explained that the imbalance in passenger traffic is partly to blame. “Many people travel to their villages for Christmas, but very few return immediately. This forces us to drive with empty seats on the way back to Kampala, which is costly,” Nsereko said. He added that despite the adjustments, many travelers remain reluctant to pay, noting that the economic strain this year has made people poorer.
Similar fare hikes have been recorded for travelers heading to West Nile. At Arua Bus Park, passengers traveling to destinations such as Nebbi, Paidha, Arua, and Yumbe now pay between Shs70,000 and Shs90,000 for buses that previously cost Shs50,000. Joseph Etole Mabutu, the spokesperson for Nile Star Coaches, said the increase was inevitable. “There are more passengers traveling for the holidays, but operational costs, including fuel, have risen,” he said.
However, not all operators have raised fares. Tausi Bus Services, which serves routes to Mbarara, Bushenyi, and Ishaka, has maintained fares at Shs30,000 to accommodate budget-conscious travelers. Similarly, YY Coaches has kept their prices stable, with a representative, Mr Kaisrye, noting that avoiding extra costs like broker fees helps them remain consistent.
Elsewhere, at Namayiba Bus Terminal, routes to northern Uganda—including Gulu, Lira, and Kitgum—have seen sharp increases. Isaac Steven Mukhuba, a supervisor at Gateway Bus Services, attributed part of the fare hike to the closure of the Karuma Bridge. “The closure forces us to take alternative, longer routes, increasing our operational costs,” he said. The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) closed Karuma Bridge in May to facilitate reconstruction, diverting traffic to distant paths.
For many travelers, the rising costs are a heavy burden. Gerald Mukabire, a passenger heading to Soroti, expressed frustration: “The festive season is supposed to be a time of celebration, not financial strain. Transporters need to reconsider their decisions.”
As the season continues, passengers are advised to plan their journeys early to avoid last-minute inconveniences and further fare hikes. While the increases are expected, many remain hopeful that operators will find a balance between profit and passenger welfare.
