Traffic congestion is a key issue in Kampala just as it is a gruelling problem faced by many in cities around the world.
According to the analytical report done by the World Bank surveys on transportation, the cost of traffic congestion stretches economies and peoples health.
KCCA project compiled the losses encountered by commuters in Kampala in the form of time wasted and money spent during the despicable traffic jams in the central business district -CBD.
The government's draft policy will make it compulsory for all private cars entering the Kampala City Centre to pay a certain fee.
The policy is aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the capital city as well as increasing revenue for the government.
While addressing the media at a press conference, Ms Betty Amongi, said the policy on the new traffic laws has been drafted and it will be approved by Parliament sooner.
"The policy is under discussion and once Cabinet and Parliament approve it, we will commence with its implementation.” Ms Amongi added.
She said KCCA will soon determine how much money each private vehicle is expected to pay before accessing the City Centre.
“You will be charged an amount to enter the city. If you have a private car, you will have to pay before entering Kampala,” Minister Betty Amongi told the press.
The proposal to introduce a fee for private vehicles coming into the city came up last year but motorists completely vetoed it.
This year, motorists have rejected the policy proposal given the hard-working conditions under which they operate.
They claimed that the government must first fix the country’s poor transport system, solve the Boda Boda problem before initiating new laws.
The policymakers should be considerate to the poor Ugandans whose finances have declined due to the #COVID_19 pandemic and the #lockdown.
“Let the government first deal with Boda Bodas. Vehicles consume fuel and government is already taxing fuel, why subject Ugandans to double taxation?
The transport system is still very poor. The government should first improve the state of roads and then try out the taxation issue.’’Kakeeto, a car owner and businessman suggested.
Antagonistic drivers concluded that the government has unveiled another way to milk them dry.
They are already paying various forms of taxes and are appalled by the government's introduction of a new tax?
‘Why make our lives difficult? Motorists are already paying several taxes and must be exempted from any other form of tax,” Mukasa Hassan, a motorist, said. On the other hand, private car owners are complaining about the ‘selfish’ policies made by stakeholders.
They renounced the draft policy as well since they are already paying parking fees of between Shs5,000 and Shs10,000 per day.
They also pay third party insurance premium which ranges from Shs 45,000 to Shs70,000.
While talking to the country about the new traffic law, Ms Among said Cabinet has appropriated funds to buy city buses.
These buses will carry passengers to their final destinations in the Boda Boda free zones at affordable fees.
Yet, chaotic Boda Boda riders were momentarily pardoned. They were granted a grace period of 90 days to temporarily operate in the city centre, this may stretch to December.
when you consider the timing, it is election season and President Museveni's insatiable appetite for a populist vote will render the grace period infinite.
There is no way you can pardon Boda Bodas then put restrictions or tax private cars. Boda Bodas are causing mayhem in central Kampala.
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