The introduction of tuk-tuks in Kabale municipality has ignited a crisis for local pick-up and lorry drivers, who now fear for the survival of their businesses. The versatile and cost-effective tuk-tuks have rapidly taken over a wide range of transportation services, leaving traditional drivers of pick-ups struggling to compete.
In Kabale town, the once ubiquitous pick-ups and lorries are now a rare sight as tuk-tuks, with their distinct buzzing sound, dominate the streets. These three-wheeled vehicles transport everything from beddings and food items to charcoal and chairs, tasks previously handled by larger vehicles.
John Rukundo, the chairman of the pick-up and lorry drivers commonly parked at the well-known Eso stage, expressed deep concern over this shift. “Tuk-tuks have not only overtaken most of our work but have also drastically cut transport prices. They do the exact jobs we used to do, but without the need for driving permits,” he lamented.
Rukundo further noted that the Eso Stage Park has more than 75 pick-up and lorry drivers, decrying to the authorities, especially traffic officials, for ignoring the overloading of tuk-tuks despite their lack of driving permits. “We are in a bad situation. Even when we struggle to find work, traffic officers demand a share of our earnings, yet tuk-tuks are not charged any money since they are regarded as boda bodas,” he explained.
Bruce Ainebyoona, another pick-up driver, highlighted the economic strain caused by the influx of tuk-tuks. He noted that the new competition has drastically lowered prices, making it hard for traditional drivers to stay afloat. “We used to charge Shs.30,000 for certain distances, but now tuk-tuks charge Shs.10,000. Customers prefer them, and we’re left without work,” he explained.
Efforts to interview tuk-tuk leaders were unsuccessful as they consistently claimed to be busy.
Sam Arinaitwe, Chairman of the Central Division in Kabale municipality, acknowledged the impact of the increasing number of tuk-tuks. He emphasized the need for regulatory measures to address the competition and its effects on municipal revenue from loading and offloading services. “If pick-ups are not operational, our revenue collection is affected. We must regulate tuk-tuks in terms of revenue collection,” he asserted.
In June 2017, former Kampala Minister Betty Kamya attempted to ban tuk-tuks in the city, a decision quickly overturned by President Museveni, who publicly supported their operation by riding in one himself. This endorsement has bolstered the tuk-tuk’s role in urban transportation, leaving traditional transport providers in a precarious position.
As the situation develops, Kabale municipality faces a challenging road ahead in balancing economic interests and maintaining equitable business opportunities for all transport operators.
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