Sports State Minister Peter Ogwang has announced that Pioneer Bus Company has commenced the relocation of their buses from Namboole premises to facilitate renovation works by the contractor.
“Today marks the beginning of Pioneer Bus Company’s relocation of their buses from Namboole premises to allow for renovation works to proceed smoothly.”, he posted on X.
The story of Pioneer Buses sheds light on the challenges faced by indigenous businesses under the leadership of President Museveni’s regime. Many wonder why the government did not extend more support to the company, providing concessions to ensure its success. Such support could have fostered orderliness and offered an organized public transport solution in the city plagued by potholes.
In the memoir “70 Years A Witness,” senior citizen Mathew Rukikaire, a co-founder of Pioneer Buses, highlighted the false promises made by the government and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to invest significantly in the project. These unfulfilled promises ultimately led to the company’s failure, leaving behind a trail of disappointment and despair.
Regrettably, a similar fate may befall Safeboda. Despite presenting a viable solution to the chaos in Kampala’s boda boda industry, the government has not shown significant interest in partnering with or supporting the company. This lack of support contradicts the government’s claims of seeking solutions to the city’s transportation challenges. It seems that, for President Museveni’s regime, chaos is preferable to organized solutions that might disrupt the status quo.
Pioneer Buses faced struggles beyond Uganda’s borders as well, exiting the Kenyan market and encountering difficulties in Nigeria. Few Ugandan companies, especially in the service sector, have ventured into international markets. Despite their boldness, these companies have often been left to navigate challenges independently.
Even President Museveni seemed unaware of Safeboda’s presence in Uganda, as evidenced by his 2020 remark, “What is Safeboda?” during a COVID-19 address. This lack of awareness raises questions about the government’s engagement with indigenous businesses and its commitment to supporting their growth and success.
Whether individuals or corporate entities, indigenous Ugandan businesses face significant obstacles. The lack of government support and recognition only exacerbates these challenges, highlighting the need for policies that foster a supportive environment for local enterprises to thrive.
