Several travelers have taken advantage of the return of private vehicles on Ugandan roads to hike lifts to their destinations.
On Tuesday, private vehicles
returned to the road following the easing of the Covid19 lockdown.
In his last televised Covid19 address, President, Yoweri Museveni lifted the
suspension of private means of transport.
He said the vehicles would be allowed to carry three people including the
driver so as to maintain social distance with all occupants required to wear
masks to stop the spread of the covid19 virus.
Journalists yesterday found various
travelers standing on various city roads where they would stop private vehicles
to negotiate for a lift.
One of such passengers was Ronald Turinawe who was stranded at Busega stage
together with his ill father, George Kakuhikire.
The two were struggling to find transport to Rukungiri district. Turinawe told the press that they were stuck because private vehicles were asking for Shillings 500,000, which they couldn’t afford.
Mr. Turinawe Speaking;….
Maureen Tuhaise, who was also on the same stage, was heading to Mbarara district said some of the motorists she had interfaced with were asking for between Shillings 70,000 and 80,000.Ms. Maureen Speaking ;……
Rajab Mukasa, a broker at Luqman Fuel station in Bwaise said that most private vehicle are willing to take travelers for a small fee provided they have a mask as directed by the president. Mr. Rajab on Masks adds;….
According to the Presidential Directive, Public vehicles are expected to resume operation at the beginning of June. However, they will only be allowed to carry half of the capacity so as to enforce social distancing. ENDS