Tuk-Tuks Threaten Survival of Pick-Up and Lorry Businesses in Kabale

Pick-up and lorry drivers fear their businesses may collapse due to the introduction of tuk-tuks in Kabale municipality. Currently, tuk-tuks provide a wide range of transportation services across the country.

In Kabale, tuk-tuks are frequently seen transporting various items like bedding, food, charcoal, and chairs. This has left pick-up and lorry drivers worried about their business’s survival.

John Rukundo, chairman of pick-up and lorry drivers, says tuk-tuks have significantly impacted their business. They now perform the same tasks as lorries and pick-ups, often without driving permits.

“Tuk-tuks have taken over most of our work. It hurts that they do the same tasks as us without permits,” Rukundo said.

Bruce Ainebyoona, another pick-up driver, notes that tuk-tuks have made the business cheaper. Where they used to charge Shs30,000, tuk-tuks charge Shs10,000, leading customers to prefer tuk-tuks.

He adds that even when pick-up drivers get work, traffic interruptions disadvantage them while tuk-tuks operate smoothly.

“For us, conditions are tough because jobs we used to charge Shs30,000 for, tuk-tuks now charge Shs10,000, leaving us without work,” Ainebyoona said.

Efforts to reach tuk-tuk leadership were unsuccessful as they were too busy.

Sam Arinaitwe, chairman of the central division in Kabale municipality, acknowledges the increase in tuk-tuk business and its impact on pick-up services. He adds that this affects revenue collection if pick-ups are not operational.

In June 2017, then Minister for Kampala Betty Kamya issued a ban on tuk-tuks in the city. However, President Museveni overruled this ban, showing his support by riding in a tuk-tuk and declaring them free to ferry passengers in the city.