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Relocation of taxis: Users task government on security
Passengers wait at the former Entebbe taxi stage, which is now being used by Mukono-Seeta stage taxis, at the Old Taxi Park in Kampala on Tuesday. PHOTO BY KELVIN ATUHAIRE
Kampala- The relocation of taxis plying Entebbe Road in the new changes announced by Kampala Capital city Authority (KCCA) has sparked anger among the commuters with many citing security concerns.
On Tuesday, taxis plying Entebbe route were relocated to Usafi Park on the orders of KCCA to allow smooth construction of the proposed Kampala flyover.
The Entebbe stage in the Old Taxi Park is now occupied by taxis plying Mukono-Seeta route.
However, passengers using the stage said the move is a security threat to peoples’ lives and property.
In separate interviews, the passengers said the development would give leeway to thieves who snatch their valuable items, especially early morning and late evening.
Ms Joyce Nalubega, a shop attendant at Mukwano Shopping Mall, told Daily Monitor in an interview yesterday that she lost her mobile phone as she trekked to Usafi to board a taxis to Entebbe on the very day the taxis were relocated.
“The relocation of the taxis has affected me greatly because I’m now spending more on transport since I use boda –boda from Mukwano Shopping Mall to go to Usafi every evening. I fear my bag will be grabbed by thieves who waylay people between Shoprite and Usafi Taxi Park,” Ms Nalubega said.
She underscored the need for government to deploy security personnel on the stretch between Shoprite and Usafi Park to ease the movement of people going to board from Usafi. She added that people need to be sure of security and protection when moving.
The Usafi Taxi Park chairperson, Mr Charles Ntale, said although the drivers have KCCA’s directive, government should address some of the anomalies hindering passengers from using the taxi park.
“Security is very important in this case and the authorities should immediately address the cries of the people, especially those losing their mobile phones as they come to board taxis,” Mr Ntale said.
Ms Sofi Nasubuga, who operates a confectionery shop at the Old Taxi Park, said the relocation has affected various businesses in terms of sales. “This is likely to continue for the whole of this week,” she lamented.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango said before the relocation of the taxis, a joint meeting was held and the authorities agreed that security be increased in and out of the park.
