The United Bus Owners Association (UBOA) has launched a crackdown on individuals accused of defrauding bus passengers in Kampala by posing as transport agents and falsely promising to secure seats on buses travelling to various destinations.
The operation, conducted on Thursday morning, resulted in the arrest of ten suspects believed to be part of a network targeting unsuspecting travelers, particularly women and young people.
Authorities also recovered receipt books suspected to have been used in the fraudulent scheme.
According to UBOA officials, the suspects would approach passengers, collect money for tickets, and direct them to bus parks where the promised buses either did not exist or were not headed to the advertised destinations.
The enforcement exercise began around the Mini Price area in downtown Kampala, where several buildings were identified as operating bases for the alleged fraudsters.
During the raid, officials recovered receipt books believed to have been used to issue fake travel documents to passengers.
The operation later expanded to other parts of the city, including the New Taxi Park area, where officials encountered several travelers who claimed to have been deceived into paying for transport services that were never provided.
Some of the suspects were arrested on the spot and handed over to police for further investigations.
Several attempted to explain their activities, but officials said their accounts failed to justify the allegations against them.
According to Brian Kwizera, one of the officials leading the operation, fraudulent practices have become increasingly common within Kampala's transport sector.
He said some fraudsters have established fake booking offices where they charge passengers inflated fares, issue questionable tickets and eventually place travelers on the wrong buses.
"These fraudulent practices are damaging our work and undermining public trust in bus operators. We have repeatedly sought assistance from security agencies to help us address the problem," Kwizera said.
UBOA says the activities of the fraudsters are not only causing financial losses to passengers but are also damaging the reputation of legitimate bus companies.
The association has appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts against illegal operators.
"We appeal to the government to intervene and close down these illegal offices because passengers often blame legitimate bus companies after being conned. We will continue conducting similar operations to protect travelers," Kwizera added.
Officials also displayed tickets suspected to have been illegally issued as evidence of the fraudulent activities.
They warned that women and children remain among the most vulnerable groups targeted by scammers and urged them to exercise extra caution when purchasing tickets.
Bus operators who participated in the operation condemned the practice and called for stronger regulation and enforcement within the public transport sector.
"The actions of these fraudsters tarnish the image of the bus transport industry. We call upon the Ministry of Works and Transport to take firm action because these illegal practices are hurting the sector," one operator said.
Passengers have been advised to purchase tickets only from recognized bus terminals and authorized booking offices to avoid falling victim to scams.
"Travelers should always obtain tickets from official bus terminals to ensure they receive legitimate travel documents and avoid being defrauded," officials advised.
One passenger welcomed the operation, saying he had previously lost money to similar schemes.
"I am pleased with this operation because I have previously been deceived and lost money to these fraudsters," he said.
The suspects were taken to Kampala Central Police Station, where they are expected to face prosecution.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing and additional operations will be conducted to eliminate fraud within the public transport sector and restore public confidence in bus travel.