Transport fares from Kampala to different parts of the country have shot up three days to Christmas Day.
A survey conducted by Kikubolane.com shows that that some bus companies have increased the fares by Shs20,000.
For instance, Global Bus Company limited, which plies Kampala-Mbarara, has increased fares from Shs30,000 to Shs50,000, while transport via buses such as Honest, which ply the Kampala-Rukungiri-Kabale routes have increased fares from about Shs60,000 to Shs80,000.
Bus operators plying the Mbale-Kampala route have increased the fares from Shs20,000 to Shs40,000.
Saturday Muhwezi, the manager of Kisenyi bus terminal justifies the increment, saying it is meant to cater for the hiked fuel prices.
According to Muhwezi, business is low because many people moved to the villages due to the lockdown and have never returned to the city.
He reveals that there is only 15 percent passenger flow compared to the period prior to the lockdown where the operators could hire buses from the government to carry excess travelers during Christmas festivities.
James Ogwang, the operations manager YY coaches and Courier Services, says that unlike the past season, they have also increased fares to all destinations by Shillings 5000 because of increased fuel prices.
James Okuku, the manager of Divine coaches, says that they increased the fares between Shillings 5000 and 10,000 in line with a directive from Uganda Bus Owners Association (UBOA). He however says that they are currently transporting more cargo compared to passengers because of the school closure.
Goffery Mawadri from Nile Star Trade Link says that they have increased the fares from Kampala to Arua from Shillings 60,000 to Shillings 70,000 and Kampala to Gulu from Shillings 40,000 to Shillings 50,000. He attributes the increment to high fuel and maintenance costs for their coaches.
Apollo Bashambo, a cashier of Baby coaches along Bombo road says that they have also hiked their fares from Kampala to Yumbe from Shs60,000 to 70,000, Kampala to Koboko Shs55,000 to 60,000 and Kampala Paida Shs 40,000 to 50,000.
Christopher Muyise, a driver at the Fort portal stage in the new taxi park, says that they have increased the fares from Kampala to Fort Portal from Shs50,000 to 60,000.
Twaha Ssali, a driver at Masaka costa stage in the new taxi park says due to the limited number of travellers, they have not revised their fares. They are charging Shs20,000 from Kampala to Masaka.
Rosebud Nambayo, who was traveling to Kadama in Kibuku district, said the increased transport fare will leave them without money since businesses are down.