EDITOR

In response to mounting public outcry and numerous complaints against the bus transport industry, the territorial police of Kigezi convened a security meeting with managers of bus companies operating the western route through Kabale to Kigali and Goma.

The meeting, chaired by Deputy RPC SSP Kawalya James, sought to address safety, operational, and service delivery challenges faced by passengers and the community.

The concerns raised highlighted critical issues, including:

  • Traffic Congestion in Kabale: Buses double-park in the Monalisa area due to the lack of a bus terminal, creating chaos and endangering other road users, particularly heavy trucks.
  • Passenger Safety Risks: Buses park on the wrong side of the road, forcing passengers to enter and exit directly onto the road, exposing them to potential accidents.
  • Unregulated Bus Guides: Unsanctioned individuals posing as bus guides issue fake receipts, overcharge passengers, and misuse funds.
  • Stranded Passengers: Some buses abandon passengers en route without refunds or alternative transport.
  • Theft by Boda Boda Riders: Disembarking passengers are harassed and occasionally robbed by boda boda operators crowding bus stages.
  • Overnight Theft and Overloading: Night buses reportedly overload passengers and are implicated in theft and reckless driving incidents.
  • Alleged Poisoning: Reports of passengers being poisoned during transit raised alarm, with police investigating four registered cases.

Representatives from major bus companies—including Bapakasi, Jaguar, Bismarkan, Friends, Link, Gateway, Baby Coach, Horizon, Volcano, and Trinity—were present alongside regional police officials.

Resolutions to Restore Order

After extensive discussions, resolutions were agreed upon to ensure safer and more efficient operations in the bus industry:

  1. Enhanced Safety Measures: All buses must install safety features like cameras and train staff to prioritize passenger security and customer care.
  2. Controlled Stops: Unnecessary stoppages along routes are prohibited. Designated stops at fuel stations with recognized supermarkets will cater to passengers’ needs.
  3. Regulated Staff: Bus companies are required to register all employees, provide uniforms with clear identification numbers, and submit lists to the police.
  4. Expanded Executive Committee: A representative from each bus company will join the committee to address internal concerns effectively.

The committee was empowered to manage operations at Monalisa stage and handle non-compliance issues internally. In extreme cases, the police assured swift action against stubborn workers, drivers, boda boda operators, and other violators.

Deputy RPC Kawalya James concluded the meeting by urging bus managers to communicate the resolutions to their staff and ensure immediate compliance. He promised police reinforcements to address persistent disorder at Munalisa if necessary.

The meeting was attended by regional police officers, district officials, and representatives from various media houses. Together, stakeholders expressed optimism that the measures would restore sanity and improve service delivery in the bus transport industry.

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