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Passengers using commuter taxis from Masaka to Kampala had to pay between Shs25,000 and Shs30,000, up from Shs15,000. Those taking the Kampala-Mbarara route were charged between Shs35,000 and Shs40,000, a journey which has been costing Shs25,000.
Mr Bukenya asked the travellers to bear with the situation as the situation normalises.
“I ask my fellow taxi drivers not to risk and use the flooded road because the water has a lot of pressure, we pray that God intervenes and saves us from this harsh situation because we are already stuck with several challenges,” he added.
In a statement on Thursday evening, UNRA reiterated their caution to motorists not to use this section to connect to Masaka and back to Kampala but instead use the alternative Mpigi—Kanoni—Maddu—Ssembabule-Masaka road.
“The team is currently undertaking an assessment with the aim of restoring the damaged structure at the earliest possible time once the water levels subside and restore normal traffic flow.
We regret the inconvenience caused to all road users,” reads part of the statement issued by Allan Ssempebwa, UNRA spokesperson.
Some commuter taxi operators in Masaka City did not work yesterday after several passengers declined to pay the extra fee and postponed their trips.
Mr David Kizuula, a commuter taxi driver on Mbarara –Masaka-Kampala route, said he was buying fuel of Shs180,000 for the single trip but the alternative route requires him to buy fuel of Shs250,000.
“It is beyond our own control and just pray that it doesn’t take long because we may start operating at a loss despite making a slight increase in the fares,” he said.