By Isabella Awor Olong
Lira – 9, November 2021: Those who have been moving long distances to get driving permits from greater Lango can now smile following the government’s decision to bring the services nearer.
Through the minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, an appeal was made recently during his visit to Lango where he inspected different roads within the sub-region.
The decision to open a permit office in Lira will reduce on transport costs, something that affected most applicants for years. Many had to travel to Gulu, Mbale or Kampala for the same service.
Betty Aceng Okello is the administrator of Prestige Driving School Lira city branch. She said the outlet for permits in Lira city would save some clients on transport issues.
She added some clients travel from the village to Gulu thrice to pick learners, temporary and original permits, respectively.
It would be nearer to our clients, she said, adding, “One would not have to move up and down to look for it.”
“The outlet has to open on time because to get a permit, a client can spend close to a million to get a permit in case of travelling to Gulu. This includes accommodation…”
However, she urged those who don’t have permits to have them because the benefit of having it also saves a person when an accident occurs.
Joan Oryang is the secretary Unity Driving School in Lira city. She said Lira office would ease work for those in Gulu city because they are overworked.
“Most people who go to Gulu complain, get disappointed and some end up going to Mbale for permits yet it’s very far,” she told TND News Isabella Awor.
“They promised us an outlet for permits in the middle of [this] year but COVID-19 interfered with everything.”
“Since the people of Lira have made a request for an outlet for driving permits, I have already instructed Uganda Security Printing Company to establish an outlet in Lira to deal with driving permit issue,” Gen. Katumba Wamala said last month in Lira city.