Jinja City authorities have unveiled plans to address traffic congestion by creating two new taxi parks, according to the City Senior Physical Planner, Mr. Charles Nampendho. The proposed taxi parks aim to streamline traffic flow, with Mailo Mbili designated for taxis from Iganga highway and Amber Court roundabout for those arriving from the Kampala-Jinja highway.
Passing through the city will be permitted for taxis entering the city, but they will not be allowed to make stops within it, according to Mr. Nampendho. The current taxi park in the city center is set to be repurposed into a parking space for customers shopping at Jinja Central Market. Additionally, plans include constructing 200 lock-ups around the taxi park for approximately 500 businesses.
The chairperson of Jinja Taxi Park Operators Association (JITOA), Mr. Khalid Muyingo, acknowledged the benefits of relocating the taxi park but expressed concern about the council’s lack of available land due to previous sales. Mr. Muyingo urged the council to permit market customers to park on the streets to maintain street parking fees.
However, the chairperson of Jinja Central Market, Mr. Henry Mugimba, expressed worries about the potential impact on traders if the taxi park is relocated. He emphasized that shoppers at the market often rely on taxis, and shifting the taxi park could result in a loss of customers.
Similarly, Mr. Eria Musobya, the chairperson of Jinja Boda Boda Riders Association, highlighted potential income losses for riders if the taxi park is moved closer to the highway. He explained that easier access to taxis for passengers would reduce the demand for boda boda services.
Jinja City, which attained city status in July 2020, is implementing these changes as part of its expansion and urban development efforts, incorporating former Jinja Municipality, Bugembe Town Council, Mafubira, and Budondo sub-counties.
