Last week the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF) announced that there would be an increment in transport charges by 5,000Ugx and 500Ugx for some distances. The increment was stirred by the rising fuel prices.
Following the announcement, the Ministry of Works has revealed that the increment is justifiable, and shall not intervene.
According to the Minister of State for Works and Transport Fred Byabakama, the proposed changes have been reviewed to ensure that they are not exploitative.
Byamukama says the government can regulate and monitor public transport but cannot dictate transport fares which are dictated by forces of demand and supply.
Fuel prices have been going up for the past three months or so. Initially, there was belief it was due to the closure of the Rwanda- Uganda border, but things have not changed even after the opening of the border.
Government says the price hike is not an internal factor but is being caused by external factors.
