Government has been called upon to fight unprofessionalism among the public transport operators, in order to curb misconduct and all other transport vices and improve the social safety of the public during mobility.
“Despite the efforts of the organisation and the engaged groups in improving safety and inclusion in public transport, there is still a gap in institutionalising safe transport as well as the implementation of the recent assented to traffic and road safety, 1998 amendment act.
Government needs to look into the road chart whose implementation is yet to kick off because it is the only way professionalism will be introduced in the sector,” said Lydia Tebekkanya, Program Manager, Safer Cities for Adolescent Girls Project, Plan International Uganda.
She further stated that the Ministry of works needs to effect the comprehensive regulations and policies for the entire transport sector and provide a framework for urban transportation.
Babirye Nalwoga, one of the People Living With Disability (PWD) asked the government to discipline taxi operators who sexually harass them when using public transport.
“Discipline transporters who engage in emotional, physical sexual abuse, crime and harassment. PWDs normally receive abusive and vulgar words from conductors which are so hurting and embarrassing, the annoying bit is we do not know where to report,” she noted.
Nalwonga further stated that “They should be charged with the responsibility to support, participate or allow any form of harassment to take place in their vehicles. Witnessing harassment by a transport operator and failing to report should be punished as an accomplice.”
Joan Babirye pointed out the need for provision for people with disabilities to be put in place in the transport sector and education on sign language for drivers and bodabodas to be catered for and accessible cars for persons with disabilities.
Government speaks out
Immaculate Natukunda, Senior Licensing Officer, Ministry of Works and Transport, who also represented the Minister, Gen Katumbe Wamala, noted that “Professionalism and safety are key aspects in the transport sector. We are doing our best to ensure we streamline the transport system in the new regulations.”
Adding, “We pledge to look into all the issues you have raised, our assurance as the ministry is that public transport users will get affordable, sustainable, accessible, reliable, and inclusive transport system,” she emphasised.
