AWAKULE ENNUME DISASTROUS BUS TRAVEL
To all men, women, school children and PWDs who frequent the green Awakula Ennume buses that ply Karerwe-Gayaza Road.
I now respect and salute you all. Today, I couldn’t believe that I can sweat this much while standing. At around 6:15pm, I arrive at this stage opposite Mabirizi Plaza along Kampala Road. There are only two buses.
The bus conductor tells me to board one that is left with only two passengers to take off. The other needs more than 15. I hurriedly get to the entrance and ordered to pay at the entrance (NB, this is my first time on the bus).
As I struggle to position myself, the conductor is furious that I don’t let go of my bag. He tells me to surrender it but I hesitate. It has my laptop and money, I reply.
In a space meant for two people just near the entrance, he brings in seven more. I keep calm as we finally set off. The traffic ahead is unbearable, the stinking armpits from one man just next to me, my hips and below the waistline parts are getting too close to another seated gentleman but I remain patient.
As we approach Bat Valley, my legs cannot stand any longer to Kasangati. I am sweating plasma, the smelly armpits finally see me disembark from this point. One lady feels sorry that I have just paid my sh1000 but I tell her my health is more important than suffocating inside here.
I later wave a nearby boda boda that asks for only sh 2000 to Kalerwe where I got a taxi to my destination. Comrade Afande Patrick Onyango can’t the force regulate the capacity of these buses? I believe the owners are making abnormal profits at the expense of people’s lives. The overloading is not for the faint-hear ted. The picture below was taken as I enjoyed fresher air outside.