Christmas has led to a sharp increase in transport 
fares, reaching record highs. Passengers now pay Shs25,000 for a trip to Masaka, up from Shs10,000, and Shs60,000 for Hoima more than double the pre-Christmas fare of Shs25,000. Longer routes, such as Kampala to Fort Portal, have seen fares rise from Shs40,000 to Shs75,000, while trips to Kisoro now cost Shs100,000. The sudden fare hikes have left many travelers struggling. “I saved Shs80,000 for transport to and from Fortpotal, but now I can only afford one-way trip and a few essentials,” said Shiber, a Fortpotal resident. She added that the increases have disrupted her Christmas plans with family. Taxi operators cite high passenger demand as a key reason for the price hikes. “This is our busiest time of year, and they say they have no choice but to raise fares The fare increases are also affecting small-scale traders, who rely on public transport to distribute goods. Traders transporting fresh produce to rural markets now face higher transport costs, cutting into their already narrow profit margins.
CHAOS IN KAMPALA DOWNTOWN AND KIKUUBA.
As Christmas approaches, Kampala is experiencing a noticeable surge in activity as residents rush to complete their holiday preparations. The streets are bustling with people shopping for festive clothes, gifts, and food. Markets and shopping centers are filled with eager shoppers, many of whom are looking for the perfect outfits to celebrate the season. Clothing stores, in particular, are seeing high demand, with
shoppers flocking to buy new clothes for family gatherings and celebrations. The vibrant atmosphere is heightened by special holiday discounts and promotions, which have made shopping even more enticing. However, the increased foot traffic has also led to congestion in key shopping areas, with long lines and crowded spaces becoming the norm. While many are excited for the festive season, the overcrowding has created some challenges for both shoppers and vendors trying to navigate the busy streets. Despite the chaos, the holiday spirit remains strong as Kampala prepares for a lively Christmas celebration.
