There has been a backlash from members of the public after Uganda Civil Aviation Authority doubled parking fees at Entebbe International Airport.
In a statement on Monday, UCCA said starting November, 1, 2024, parking fees will go up at the airport.
“In a bid to enhance ongoing efforts for investment in upgrading facilities for a better passenger experience, revised car parking rates are scheduled to be implemented at Entebbe International Airport starting on November 1, 2024. The current rates have been in place since October 1, 2009,” UCAA spokesperson, Vianney Luggya said.
The fees
He explained that for the short stay parking, the first hour charge for saloon cars and station wagons will be shs5,000 up from shs2000 while vans or minibuses will be charged shs8000 from shs4000 and buses will pay shs10,000 for the first hour of parking from shs5000.
UCAA said the rate for each extra hour remains shs1,000 for all categories of vehicles.
For long term parking, UCAA said the first day charge will be 30,000 while additional days will remain at 10,000 per day.
“However, after 30 days of parking in the long-term car park, each subsequent day will be charged shs200,000 as a deterrent. The ideally recommended period to park in the long-term car park is not more than 30 days,” UCAA said.
Uproar
However, following the development, members of the public have taken to social media to show discontent over the increase in the parking fees at the airport.
“This is exploitation at its maximum. Congestion at the parking lot is being caused by poor customer care and delayed flight schedules,” Nathan Olet said on X.
One Puyo said unlike Uganda, in other countries, the first eight minutes are free “ which majority of us spend at the airport.”
Daniel Obal described the move as being a wrong approach by UCAA.
“Check what services other airports provide for long parking for up to 90 days at a rate equivalent to shs10,000 . They wash, polish the car and even cover it within that cost and warm the engine . You guys don’t cover, polish or wash.”
Itzhak Mbabazi said, “ if your best approach is tat the structure has remained unchanged , the it is so illogical. What is the value for money? The machines are always down or few , the traffic mess is also nauseating. That is the value for money.”
