Kampala-Lira route to get more buses

Monday February 7, 2011

THE Transport Licencing Board has urged bus operators on the Kampala-Lira route to welcome new operators and embrace healthy competition.

This was during a special meeting between the new applicants and the old operators at the former Public Works training centre in Kyambogo last week.
The new applicants include Gaaga and Dokoro Coaches.

Timothy Baguma, the Transport Licensing Board chairperson, said whoever meets the minimum requirements was free to apply for any route in the country.

He, however, added that the new applicants were obliged to notify the existing operators to avoid conflicts that may arise, especially with the time schedule.

Several bus companies, including Otada, White Coaches, Atinpacho, Achanadiru, Balcon, Danmaboro and Fleno Coaches ply the Lira-Kampala route.

James Nyakundi, the managing director of Gaaga Coaches, said there was a big gap for more buses on the route.
“The existing operators on the Lira route should accept competition and all its benefits,” he said.

Ronald Amanyire, an inspector of motor vehicles with the works ministry, said the new applicants must have their busses inspected to prove their road worthiness.

Lawrence Niwabiine, the Kampala Extra regional traffic Police commander, said wrangles between bus operators should stop to pave way for competition.

James Ochaya, a representative of bus operators on the board, said consulting existing bus operators on given routes before granting permission to fresh applicants was aimed to promoting fairness.

There are over 800 buses plying different routes in the country, according to the Transport Licencing Board.

By Samuel Balagadde The New Vision Newspaper