By Kitts Mabonga
KAMPALA
The travelling population of the Kampala Metropolitan area has welcomed the recent directive by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni which granted the exclusive monopoly to Metu Africa Bus Ltd to produce and operate public bus services in the Kampala Metropolitan area.
In a November letter to the prime minister Robinah Nabbanja dated 20th 2023 the president directed that Metu B.K Katabazi the proprietor of Metu Africa Zhongtong Bus Industries, be given exclusive rights to operate public buses in the Kampala Metropolitan area and as a result he was at liberty to introduce new buses to play the several dusty city routes.
The East African Gazette got the views of the public about the new transport deal and many expressed pleasure saying it was a timely project which would protect them from the taxis which they claim had been overcharging them with impunity irrespective of the status of the biting economy.
What people say about Metu City Bus
‘Edward Kintu a butcher operator from Bweyogerere in Wakiso district said he was happy that the president took such a deliberate decision because the previous bus company which had been helping them Pioneer buses suddenly suspended operations which made it difficult for the low income earners to copy with the ever surging taxi fares.
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Nantume Moreen a food vendor in Owino market but resident of Kajjansi town council expressed similar sentiments saying she was optimistic that the new bus deal would shield them from the taxis which have clandestinely eaten deep into their merger incomes and that the buses would bring sanity.
The Minister of works and transport speaks out
The minister of works and transport Gen.Katumba Wamala has said it was high time the city travelers got an opportunity to use the new Metu buses which are likely to be very cheap and moving on time adding that the government working with KCCA authorities shall ensure that Metu buses are protected and given the due necessary support needed to execute their duties.
The Proprietor of the plant, Mr. Metu Katabazi, says the peace and stability brought by President Museveni is what has enabled him to start the plant and hoped that the business will expand to regional and international markets.
After years of continuous innovation and accumulation, Metu Africa bus industries has proven itself as able to produce high quality buses and has enjoyed a high reputation in the local industry and market.
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“Metu Africa has well-developed bus production equipment and processes, such as high strength steel, framework body, laser cutting, punching dies, and MIG welding. Noted Katabazi.
The sector to create over 500 direct and indirect jobs
“We can foresee a vibrant multiplier effect in the economy of Uganda and do hope that we shall create over 2,500 direct and another 2,500 indirect jobs to the citizens of this country.
Katabazi. call upon the public to support our venture by using these buses which are comfortable and durable’ and as well help us push our strategic development master plan agenda to become the leading manufacturer of automobiles in the country with capacity to serve the entire East African community population.
With our professional workforce, technical knowhow and timely delivery, Metu Africa Bus Industries is proud to offer the best blend of quality products and efficient after-sales services to both our National and International clientele.
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On behalf of all our team, we welcome you to our company and appreciate all the support our clients have given to us over the years. We look forward to serving you all better in the coming years. Arnold Musinguzi the general manager said.
About Metu Bus
Metu Zhongtong Bus Industries was started by Mr. Metu Katabazi, its Chairman and proprietor. It began operations in 2011 with the selling of spare parts of heavy vehicles and later it ventured into the assembling of 67-seater buses in June 2018.
The Company has engaged in Research and Development, production and sales of coaches and buses since then and is currently setting up an automobile production plant in Kasese.
Metu Buses commissioned the Kasese assembly plant and was steadily working well to ensure more buses come out ready to serve the public soon.