Traffic congestion clogs Kampala taxi park area

Walugembe Moses Tusubira

Driving across the junction on Namirembe road near the Mini Price building in Kampala's central business district is a nightmare. Crossing the road on foot is no walk in the park either.

At peak traffic time, between 10:00am and 12:00pm, tens of passenger and service vehicles, commonly known as taxis, make their way into the Old Taxi Park where passengers get off and on. They must get inside in time to secure a competitive space at their respective stages. But their movement from Namirembe road to the Old Taxi Park entrance is slow and annoying. They create a bumper-to-bumper gridlock as they squeeze into the tiny lanes, or stop anyhow to let out some impatient passengers who prefer to walk the rest of the way.

The situation is made worse by Boda-Boda cyclists who normally ignore traffic rules as they crisscross between the cars. Obviously, this is not the best route for ambulances that need to rush patients to hospitals for urgent treatment.

A continuing dilemma 
This part of Kampala is headed for a traffic standstill as there is little or no sign of improvement. Suggestions to better the situation include the need to repair feeder roads, proposals to move the taxi park to another location, building land ports, restricting vehicles entering the city centre and utilising the old railway network. But implementation may take long.

KCCA’s plan
Kampala Capital City Authority deputy publicist, Robert Kalumba, points out that all hope is not lost as the city administrators are considering a blue-print which proposes the use of non-motorised transport means as alternatives. This master plan, announced last year, includes initiatives such as use of electronic cable cars and a railway network, among others.

However critics say some of such plans are too ambitious and far from reality.

For now Kampala city dwellers will have to brace for tougher days until KCCA’s master plan can be implemented, but when this will be done remains a mystery.