Lira – 2, August 2021: On Friday last week, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni announced ‘new measures’ towards easing a lockdown that was instituted for 42 days.
By Friday last week when he spoke, coronavirus infections in the country had significantly reduced.
In his speech, Museveni opened public and private transports and allowed inter-district travels. For private cars, only three occupants, including the driver.
This came as a sigh of relief to many Ugandans and vehicle owners whose businesses were paralyzed following closure in public transport.
“The opening of inter-district travel and the opening of public transport came in handy. I have a schedule for an interview in Gulu. Now I will travel on Friday,” Finella Akello, a 25-year-old graduate tells TND News.
Meanwhile, there was a low turn up at Lira city Bus terminal Monday morning as buses and taxis resumed operation.
In Gulu city, our reporter Okello Jesus Ojara earlier reported that bus companies were crying over low passengers turn-up. Read more: Sadness
“I am here at the bus park of Lira city, I can see a few buses coming in here, but for sure, much as there is excitement among the population there are scanty passengers here,” TND News’ Frank Oyugi reports from Lira city.
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Feliesta Busses owned by the Dokolo South MP, Felix Okot Ogong and Good Luck Busses owned by the Erute South MP, Jonathan Odur were among the buses to ply the Kampala route today.
Nyekorach Matsanga, the spokesperson for taxi owners at Lira bus park says they are sensitive that the lockdown has interrupted people’s way of life and businesses and therefore taxi and bus fares shall not be hiked.
For instance, he says they have maintained transport fares from Lira to Kampala at shillings 40,000, while they will charge passengers travelling from Lira to Gulu shillings 25,000.
The President, in his address, said buses and taxis should only operate at half capacity.
Additional reporting by Okello Jesus Ojara in Gulu city.