Touts, illegal bus, taxi stages
The government on Wednesday started enforcing a ministerial order banning touts, brokers and vehicles in dangerous mechanical condition in taxi and bus stations within the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
State Minister for Kampala Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofa togabye, stated on Tuesday that it has come to their attention that the transporters are violating Section 99 of the Traffic and Road Safety Act of 1998 which among other things forbids touts and brokers.
He explained that following a visit at several bus and taxi parks including Kisenyi terminal, Link Buses, Namayiba bus park and new taxi park among others, they noticed illegal stages, mushrooming booking offices and an influx of touts outside the designated parks.
He further stated that some brokers extort money and steal passengers’ property at transport terminals.
While speaking at the Uganda Media Center on Tuesday, Kyofatogabye directed that all booking offices outside bus terminals, kiosks, and all illegal taxi stages in Kampala be removed with immediate effect.
Touts, illegal bus, taxi stages
He said the move is aimed at creating order, improving the safety of passengers and reorganizing public transport in Kampala.
Kyofatogabye urged bus companies to embrace the digital platform where passengers can book their transport tickets online.
David Luyimbazi, the Deputy Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) said that there are only 445 taxi-gazetted taxi stages in Kampala that will be allowed to operate starting Wednesday.
He said that KCCA backed by Police is to carry out operations in the central business district and the metropolitan areas to eliminate taxis that stage along the roads.
