Kabale Transport Operators Demand Park Upgrades Ahead of Trade Order Act Enforcement

Taxi and bus operators in Kabale Municipality have called on authorities to first improve the condition of designated taxi parks before fully enforcing the Trade Order Act, warning that the current state of the facilities is unsuitable for effective operations.

The Trade Order Act, passed in December 2023, was introduced to streamline business operations, reduce urban disorder, and ease congestion in towns and municipalities. Although enforcement was temporarily suspended, Cabinet has since reinstated the directive, leaving Kabale with only one week before implementation begins.

Transport operators say while they support the objective of restoring order, authorities must first address longstanding infrastructure challenges within the official taxi park.

Leaders of the operators, including Saturday Byamugisha and Henry Twongyeirwe, noted that many drivers continue operating along roadsides because the designated park remains in a poor and deteriorating condition despite repeated promises by Kabale Municipal Council to renovate it.

“Before we are removed from roadside stages, authorities should first ensure that the official park is in a good condition so that we can work efficiently without disruption,” the operators said.

The operators argued that relocating without proper facilities would negatively affect transport services, increase confusion among passengers, and disrupt business operations.

In response, Kabale Municipality Town Clerk Hajji Jamil Kasajja acknowledged the concerns and explained that funds previously earmarked for upgrading the park were redirected toward compensation following legal disputes involving a contractor.

“The council has now set aside resources for temporary improvements as we work toward a more permanent solution,” Kasajja said.

Kabale Municipality Mayor Emmanuel Sentaro Byamugisha also admitted that the condition of the park requires urgent attention and confirmed that plans are underway to improve the facility.

However, the mayor emphasized that enforcement of the Trade Order Act will proceed as scheduled, requiring all taxi and bus operators currently operating along roadsides to relocate to gazetted parks.

He said the move is intended to restore order within the municipality, reduce traffic congestion, and improve urban management.

The developments come amid wider nationwide efforts by government to reorganize urban centres under the Trade Order framework, which has sparked mixed reactions from traders, transport operators, and local leaders in different parts of the country.