Passengers in Kampala’s taxi parks are struggling with an increasing bedbug infestation, with many sharing unsettling experiences during their commutes.
At the Old Taxi Park, one commuter recounted how a bedbug crawled onto his white shirt while he was waiting for transport. Another passenger caused a stir in a taxi from Pioneer Mall to Ntinda after spotting a bedbug on his assigned seat.
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“Ssebo, ani gw’otuza mu biku? First come and look for it before I sit there!” he exclaimed, refusing to sit until the bug was removed.
A woman seated in the back shared how a similar incident ruined her evening plans. “I felt so uncomfortable that I had to cut my date short because of that bedbug,” she said.
The surge in complaints has caught the attention of taxi operators. Mustifa Mayambala, vice chairperson of the Uganda Taxi Operators Federation (UTOFE), acknowledged the issue, confirming that it has become a growing public concern.
He revealed that the Federation had received numerous reports from passengers and had already initiated plans to fumigate taxis.
“We secured a fumigation company and wrote to KCCA, but unfortunately, our request was sent to the old administration before they left office. Now, we are engaging the new leadership,” Mayambala stated.
He explained that once coordination between KCCA, the fumigation contractor, and taxi operators is finalized, the process will begin—likely during the school holiday break.
“We plan to work with schools around Kampala, such as Nakasero, Nakivubo, and Old Kampala, where taxis will be assembled for fumigation. Any taxis failing to comply with KCCA hygiene regulations will face penalties,” he added.
Attempts to reach Henry Kaula, KCCA’s public health officer, were unsuccessful, though he promised to address the issue next week.
With over 20,000 taxis operating in and around Kampala, the infestation has raised serious hygiene concerns for both commuters and drivers.
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