A fierce competition for dominance in the bus transportation sector has erupted between two major operators, Global and Tausi, in the city of Mbarara. The conflict centers around coveted parking slots and route charts within the Mbarara bus park.
Global had long held a stronghold over the Mbarara-Kampala route, catering to the transportation needs of travellers. However, the entry of Tausi into the market has disrupted the status quo.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the fuel crisis, fares for the Mbarara-Kampala route hovered around 20,000 Ugandan shillings (US$6). Global, however, decided to increase fares to 30,000 shillings (US$9). Even after the relaxation of COVID-19 safety measures and stabilization of fuel prices, Global continued to maintain this elevated price.
Tausi employed a different strategy altogether. Throughout the previous month, Tausi charged between 20,000 shillings (US$6) and 18,000 shillings (US$5) for the same route, directly affecting Global’s operations and reportedly leading to a 40% decline in their customer base.
In a panicked response, Global reduced their fares to 20,000 shillings (US$6) in an attempt to retain customers. However, they continue to struggle in this endeavour. Additionally, travellers have voiced complaints about the arrogant behaviour displayed by Global’s staff.
While Tausi seeks to gain a larger market share, they face obstacles due to the lack of a parking slot and route chart. Sources indicate that Global’s management may have compromised the system to prevent Tausi from obtaining a parking slot at the Mbarara bus park.
Reportedly, Tausi buses have resorted to loading passengers illegally within the bus park. They briefly stop over to pick up passengers travelling from Ishaka to Kampala or vice versa, functioning more like a drive-through service.
The conflict between the two bus operators has resulted in the resignation of Robert Kiiza, the Bus Park Chairman. Kiiza faced allegations of colluding with Global to undermine Tausi’s efforts in securing a parking slot.
Rashid Amutuhaire, the Manager of Tausi Buses in Mbarara, alleges that Global Bus managers have consistently harassed his company due to fear of competition. He claims that their attempts to acquire a route chart and parking slot at the Mbarara bus park have been undermined by their rivals.
Amutuhaire mentioned that they have approached the Transport Licensing Board (TBL), the governing body for bus transport in Uganda, to seek permission for a route chart and parking slot in the Mbarara bus park. He expresses optimism that this issue will be resolved by the 15th of next month.
Amutuhaire also refutes rumours claiming that Tausi Bus offers female companions as a bonus to their passengers. He dismisses these allegations as baseless propaganda aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Tausi Bus. He emphasizes that the only offerings provided by Tausi Bus include complimentary drinks, sanitary pads for women, diapers for children, phone charging cables, and free WiFi.
Currently, Tausi Bus Company operates approximately 20 buses on the Ishaka-Mbarara-Kampala route, with plans to add another batch of 25 buses by next month.
The ongoing bus war in Mbarara reflects the intensifying competition within Uganda’s bus transportation industry. The outcome of this battle will determine which of the two contenders emerges victorious in the end.
