UTODA to curb reckless driving
Dec 20, 2007
THE Uganda Taxi Operators and Drivers Association (UTODA) has set up hotlines for passengers in an effort to curb reckless and drunk-driving during the festive season.
By Chris Kiwawulo
THE Uganda Taxi Operators and Drivers Association (UTODA) has set up hotlines for passengers in an effort to curb reckless and drunk-driving during the festive season.
The group’s national chairman, John Ndyomugyenyi, yesterday listed the numbers as 0414-235692, 0772-480883, 0772-419610 and 0772-454065.
He said reckless driving, speeding and overtaking in sharp bends were responsible for several accidents in which many Ugandans have lost their lives.
Ndyomugyenyi advised passengers to use the hotlines to report any problem they encounter while travelling, including fare hikes.
The fares within Kampala and upcountry destinations have more than doubled in the last few days due to the increasing number of passengers travelling upcountry for Christmas and end-of-year. Some drivers, however, blamed the increase on the recently hiked fuel prices.
The cost of petrol rose from sh2,410 to sh2,440, diesel from sh2,120 to sh2,220 and kerosene from sh1,850 to sh1,920.
Other drivers said they increased the fares to compensate for the return trip because few passengers are travelling from the countryside. Ndyomugyenyi said they had set up a special desk to monitor the charges in taxi parks.
He appealed to drivers and passengers to use seatbelts when travelling.
“Since there is a lot of movement of passengers, we should be security conscious. Drivers should be cautious with the people they are ferrying because thieves use this season to rob passengers.â€
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, is expected to meet bus operators in Kampala following the Ntungamo bus accident in which three people perished on Tuesday.
According to sources, Kayihura will meet the operators today to discuss the safety measures that can be employed while driving buses during the festive season.
THE Uganda Taxi Operators and Drivers Association (UTODA) has set up hotlines for passengers in an effort to curb reckless and drunk-driving during the festive season.
The group’s national chairman, John Ndyomugyenyi, yesterday listed the numbers as 0414-235692, 0772-480883, 0772-419610 and 0772-454065.
He said reckless driving, speeding and overtaking in sharp bends were responsible for several accidents in which many Ugandans have lost their lives.
Ndyomugyenyi advised passengers to use the hotlines to report any problem they encounter while travelling, including fare hikes.
The fares within Kampala and upcountry destinations have more than doubled in the last few days due to the increasing number of passengers travelling upcountry for Christmas and end-of-year. Some drivers, however, blamed the increase on the recently hiked fuel prices.
The cost of petrol rose from sh2,410 to sh2,440, diesel from sh2,120 to sh2,220 and kerosene from sh1,850 to sh1,920.
Other drivers said they increased the fares to compensate for the return trip because few passengers are travelling from the countryside. Ndyomugyenyi said they had set up a special desk to monitor the charges in taxi parks.
He appealed to drivers and passengers to use seatbelts when travelling.
“Since there is a lot of movement of passengers, we should be security conscious. Drivers should be cautious with the people they are ferrying because thieves use this season to rob passengers.â€
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, is expected to meet bus operators in Kampala following the Ntungamo bus accident in which three people perished on Tuesday.
According to sources, Kayihura will meet the operators today to discuss the safety measures that can be employed while driving buses during the festive season.