Taxi nightmare

As I described in a previous blog there are several modes of transport, one of which is a taxi—a 15-seat minibus. On our trip to Bushenyi for a meeting with other VSO volunteers we decided to travel by one of these. The main taxi area in Mbarara is a huge car park, which holds dozens of these all going to different areas. As soon as you walk into this area you are bombarded with offers of transport. “Are you going to Kampala?” “Are you going to Kasese?” “Where are you going?” When you select a taxi you barter with the person in charge over the price. We are always told a higher price than Ugandan passengers but we never agree to the first price quoted. The person who brings another passenger to a taxi is rewarded (cash?). The taxis do not leave until they are full—no schedule.

On this particular trip we waited nearly an hour and a half before we eventually departed. These taxis are checked on departure to be sure they are not overloaded. However, as soon as they leave they encourage more passengers. On this trip there were about 5 or 6 more people than there were seats. For quite a while there were 5 people in our row, which was meant for 3.

Men hawking cheap goods swarm on the occupants who are waiting for the taxis to depart. The items are cheap jewellery, combs, lace, mobile phone covers, fruit, assorted junk, etc. As muzungus we drew more attention than everyone else (wealthy is ‘tattooed’ across our faces). The hawkers are much more persistent with us. It got highly annoying as there was barely a few seconds break between hawkers.

By the time we departed Mbarara and jammed in a few more passengers we had both decided that we wouldn’t do a journey like that again. We’d rather spend more and get a special hire—our own private taxi.

On the way into Mbarara we often catch a lift from someone on campus who is on their way there. If not, we walk the 3km down to the main road and catch a taxi (mini-bus). This is not a problem as there is no waiting, we just flag one down that is passing and isn’t over-full, and we get to town within 20-25 minutes. The cost is only 2,000Ush each.

On the return trip home we have contracted a favourite special hire driver and an agreed rate—20,000 Ush to our front door. He is a safe driver, helps load and carry our purchases, and is very reliable and friendly.