Minister of Works and Transport Gen Katumba Wamala has disclosed that there will be no curfew on the announced days when children are going back to school. Schools are reopening starting January 10.
While addressing the media today, Katumba said that the move to remove curfew will enable children and parents to travel to the different parts of the country without any obstacles.
The minister revealed that they have met the taxi and bus operators.
“We have agreed on the transport fares that they will communicate on the respective routes. All luggage on public transport must be checked. Don’t say these are children. You never know what could be there,” said Katumba.
He said the people working on the buses and taxis must be fully vaccinated.
“It would also be good for the passengers to be vaccinated. The minimum you can do is have your mask on when traveling. Police will be checking. They have a right to end that travel,” he said.
He added, “Do not go to Nasser Road to buy a certificate. You may buy it cheaply but cost you your life.”
Rashid Ssekindi, an official from the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators apologized for what happened when children were returning home during the lockdown.
“That was sheer thuggery and robbery,” said Ssekindi before promising that they are going to do better.
“We are also parents. We also don’t have money to take our children back to school. Why should we overcharge fellow parents?
We are going to release the agreed-upon transport fares. If anyone charges more, report to the police,” he said.
He urged parents not to send children back to school alone.
“Escort them. We urge the parents to mark their children’s luggage for easy tracing,” he said.