By Noah Jagwe

The passenger’s body, Uganda Passengers Protection Association (UPPA) has told the various politicians to back off the newly established bus project in Kampala.

Over a hundred buses are expected in the Kampala as part of Kampala Capital City plan to decongest the city centre.

A few days ago Kampala district leaders complained that they were not consulted as the plan was introduced, and queried how the Pioneer Easy Bus Company won the contract without competitive bidding.

The Parliament's committee on Public service and Local government Friday suspended the bus company operations until a new contract signed.

The committee halted the company operations slated to commence next month in the city suburbs during a meeting with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Jenifer Musisi and Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

The spokesperson of UPPA, Badru Nyenje, said since the introduction of the bus project, a number of politicians have politicized the issue unnecessarily.

“They are talking about the matter politically,” Nyenje said, with intentions of sabotaging the project. Nyenje added that he understands that some of the politicians do own taxis and they do not want stiff competition.

“The buses are not illegally brought in service but they followed the laws. And this is a free market economy where everyone is free to operate,” Nyenje explained.

Nyenje said they are missing out on the real issues by asking the owners of the buses to be revealed, saying this is not the issue.

He noted that passengers have for quite some time been complaining of the high transport fares that the politicians never addressed.

Nyenje urged such politicians to stop meddling in such affairs because they are less concerned.

He said he is optimistic that once the buses come into operation they would ease the transport costs for Ugandans.

Nyenje called on the parliament and other concerned authorities not to allow the politicians to hoodwink them.

He called such politicians selfish.

“Politicians don’t have the people’s interests at heart,” Nyenje added.

By March 1, the buses will officially start their operations on the routes of Bweyogere and Luzira among others. They will later spread to other parts of the city.

Kampala Capital City Authority acting director for physical planning Joseph Ssemambo says special bus lanes will be constructed in congested areas like from the BAT factory to the city centre.