A move by Entebbe Mayor, Fabrice Rulinda to introduce buses t0 ease transportation along Entebbe Road has faced a backlash.
The buses will be moving passengers directly from Kampala through Entebbe Road to the airport without any inconvenience unlike the previous security guidelines by CAA to passengers who use for example motorcycles that are restricted from accessing the airport.
According to the mayor, this is to answer the outcry from departing and arriving passengers who walk long distances with no means of transport along with heavy luggage after the security screening at the airport.
“We will soon have a stakeholder’s engagement with Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) to finalize the required necessities to operationalize the move”Rulinda noted.
“As part of my vision to see Entebbe develop, I wish to thank my people of Entebbe for the cooperation and welcoming the idea."
Backlash
However, the move has sparked backlash among the residents and transport workers in Entebbe.
Entebbe fly express travelers’ association Chairperson, Peter Kagwa said that from the reports they have received from authorities behind the upcoming transport project, the tax park will now be gazzeted for the buses.
He said the project will leave taxi operators homeless.
“It’s true this place we operate from belongs to the municipal council but we are saddened by reports we are receiving that we will be chased from here. We pray this doesn’t happen," Kaggwa said.
He stated that the association still has a running contract with the municipal council for two years, warning that terminating it will lead to legal consequences.
The chairperson LC5 Division B Entebbe Municipality, Sulait Ssempebwa urged the mayor to always consult relevant stakeholders before making any decisions.
He however commended the project
“We really know that people have been facing challenges in accessing and exiting the airport and we hope this will cover the issue as long as the project is in good management.”
This website has learnt that the mayor partnered with a private contractor called RentCo to introduce the buses.