By James Alomu

SOROTI CITY — In the wake of the 15-day suspension of YY Coaches by the government over safety concerns, transport operators in the Teso region have reassured travelers that fares will remain stable, and passenger safety will not be compromised.

Two leading transport companies—Teso Coach and Kakise Bus Company—have publicly committed to maintaining their current fare structure and implementing stronger safety measures to protect their passengers during this period of increased demand.

David Onyait, Operations Manager at Kakise Bus Company in Soroti, confirmed that all fares remain unchanged.

“We are still charging UGX 30,000 from Soroti to Kampala, UGX 40,000 from Serere to Kampala, and UGX 50,000 from Namasale to Kampala. We are not here to exploit customers—we are here to serve,” Onyait said.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance passenger safety, including equipping all buses with fire extinguishers.

“Passenger safety is our top priority. These fire extinguishers will help us respond quickly in case of any emergency,” he added.

Onyait also appealed to passengers to exercise patience while traveling.

“Let’s not pressure drivers to speed. A safe journey is better than a fast one,” he urged.

Echoing a similar stance, Mark Magabe, a representative from Teso Coach, affirmed their commitment to affordable and reliable service.

“The fare from Soroti to Kampala remains UGX 30,000. We will not take advantage of the YY suspension. We are here for the people,” he said.

The temporary withdrawal of YY Coaches from Uganda’s roads sparked concern among travelers about potential fare hikes and overcrowding. However, the swift reassurance from Kakise and Teso Coach has calmed those fears and been met with appreciation from commuters and local leaders alike.

With passenger volumes expected to rise during YY’s absence, both companies have positioned themselves as dependable alternatives, earning praise for putting the public’s needs above profit.

In a transport industry often criticized for unpredictability and exploitation, the response from Teso’s operators has become a model of integrity and customer-focused service.