MUGABE R
Traders operating in Rukungiri Bus/Taxi Park have expressed dissatisfaction over the decline in business due to the poor state of the area.
Rukungiri Bus/Taxi Park emerged as a busy area in the 2000s, but since the transfer of park fee collection to the central government, the park has been abandoned.
Annet Kamateneti, a hotel owner, reiterated insufficient sales due to the low population as a result of vehicles no longer loading from the park and the lack of park maintenance.
Asiimwe Isaac, an electronics repairer who has operated in the area for 15 years, expressed frustration over the decline in business. He attributed this to the departure of vehicles following disagreements between drivers and the government, stressing that the area is turning into a store and parking yard.
Magezi Paul Alphonse, a veterinary pharmacy operator, highlighted the dysfunction of the park due to large potholes, lack of security lights at night, and poor cleanliness.
Kakuuto Kwirino, the vice chairperson of Rukungiri Drivers Association, expressed optimism for the revival of the park, following assurances of its upgrade by USAID.
Paul Karenzi, the Deputy Town Clerk of Rukungiri Municipal Council, appealed for patience, stating that construction by USAID and MATIP is expected to commence in the upcoming financial year. He attributed the current situation to a lack of funds caused by drivers refusing to pay loading fees under the newly introduced Route Chart policy by the central government.
