Transportation

So you may be wondering how I’m getting around the country. Transportation here is surprisingly sophisticated while the actual vehicles themselves are, well, not particularly good quality.

The Ugandan public transport system consists of:

~Boda bodas: Motorcycle (or rarely bicycle – legal for PCVs) taxis which PCVs are NOT allowed to ride but that are the fastest and most common mode of transportation

~Taxis: Mini-bus vehicles which are the most common for PCVs to use. These can be short distance or long distance, but be ready to squish! Legal capacity may only be 14, but many times they are far over legal capacity.

~Busses: Only used for long distance travel, these are the slowest but perhaps the most comfortable mode of transportation, especially from Fort Portal to Kampala (about a 5-6 hour trip on a bus).

Private transport consists of:

~Private hires: Usually vans or mini-busses which can be hired for long or short distances. These are significantly more expensive than taxis, but they will take you anywhere. Usually PCVs only use these when they are in a rather sizeable group because of the cost.

~Personal bicycles, boda bodas and cars: Vehicles that are not for hire are very much so a sign of wealth here.

And of course you can walk anywhere you’re willing to take the time to walk to….