Musings on public transport

Sometimes blog posts get a little bit too heavy, so here is something a bit more entertaining. Ugandan transport:

There are many different ways that one can get around Uganda. I wasn’t able to experience the joys of many of them while with watoto since they aren’t the most reliable… but upon coming back I’ve now become well versed in many ways that one can get around.

1.     private hire: this is the more traditional ‘taxi’. It’s generally a beat up car (like one you would give a 16yr old) that no longer has any shocks. It’s the most expensive means of transport and one that I have not utilized since my watoto days

2.     boda-boda: it’s a motorcycle and a popular means of transport even among locals. The seat on the bike is long and can accommodate many passengers (not the most comfortable when this occurs though). It’s not the best in the rain, sadly, as you cannot see anything when flying at crazy speeds and you get a pretty lovely drenching. You have luggage with you? No problem! There is often an ample supply of bungee cord that can be used to tie on pretty much anything you can imagine (while still finding you a tiny section of bike for you to sit on)! They have been known to carry chickens (live of course), water jugs (aka jerry cans), mattresses, and the list goes on! It is moderate on the pricing continuum as long as you know how to properly barter for it and a quick means of travel. 

3.     Taxi (matatu): these exquisite vehicles are 15 passenger vans in various stages of decay. They drive all over town on set routes and also provide cross-country travel. They are the cheapest means of transport and also the most adventuresome!! Each matatu is staffed with a driver and a ‘conductor’ who takes fares and tries to get people to join him on this ride. He is often found with half of his body out the side window waving or hollering during the trip. When the taxi is stopped at one of the many ‘stations’ it is his job to convince people to ride ‘his’ taxi. This is often attempted through grabbing people by the arm and trying to physically escort them. Sometimes this is successful J ha. Now I haven’t figured out the nuance of all of this, but I do know that the capacity of such a vehicle is merely suggestive. All of the ‘isle’ spaces are equipped with ‘jump seats’ of sorts which are always occupied. They are incredibly comfortable (hard and sloped) and often feel like they may just snap off the hinges at any given time. Generally there are closer to 20 people who squeeze together for this intimate journey. If you are lucky farm animals or large bags of rice may also join you. Often people disembark along the routes; don’t celebrate if your butt suddenly has space to sit though. As people get off they must, in the eyes of the conductor man, be replaced. Thus you may sit at a particular spot for long periods of time waiting for the conductor man to lure people onto your taxi so you can resume movement J As you wait, people on the street are incredibly eager to sell you their goods or food (like meat on a stick) and will gladly shove it through the windows hoping that it appeals to you. If you are lucky you will get a few marriage proposals along the course of the trip too J haha (at which point I gladly proclaim I’m taken!!) 

4.     Walking: sometimes the preferred means of transport. It’s free and a lot less hassle :) Not always feasible, but sometimes a welcomed alternative. It is also an awesome means of exercise, particularly when carrying heavy backpacks!

I am happy that I feel I am slowly mastering the art of public transport navigation here in Uganda. Needless to say, I will be thankful for the day when I can have my own car with padded seats and shocks again!! Haha