Drama ensued in Entebbe this morning when a row erupted between boda-boda cyclists and riders of three-wheeled motorcycles (Tuk-tuk) over transport fares.
Trouble started when Tuk-tuk operators under their umbrella body the Kampala Tuk-Tuk Owners and Operators Cooperative Society extended their operations to Abayita Ababiri in Katabi town council and Kasenyi under unclear circumstances.
But, different authorities including the Division Security committee and other boda-boda groups in Katabi town council and Entebbe municipality have challenged the move by Tuk-Tuk riders.
But this morning, a disagreement erupted when the Tuk-tuk cyclists reduced the transport fares to 1,500 shillings, unlike the boda-boda cyclists who charge 3,000 shillings.
According to Richard Kazibwe, a boda he cyboda cyclist at Abayita Ababiri, reduction of the fares will leave cyclists out of business.
A Tuk-tuk carries 5 passengers, while motorcycles carry a maximum of two people and at a price higher than that of a Tuk-tuk.
But, Abbey Walakira the Tuk-tuk Association Chairperson says that their riders operate in risky conditions saying most of them have on several occasions been detained by police and Kampala Capital City officials for operating illegally.
Last year, the Tuk-tuk operators engaged in a fight with boda-boda cyclists. The cyclists argued that the Tuk-tuks were illegally operating since they were not registered.
