Effects of Uber transport to tourism development in Kampala city

Abstract

This study focused on the effects of Uber transport to tourism development in Kampala city. Fifty (50) respondents were selected for the study, especially the Uber riders/drivers and customers. The objectives of this research were to (i) describe types of Uber transport in Kampala city, (ii) examine effects of Uber transport to tourism development in Kampala city and (iii) investigate challenges faced by Uber riders while providing transport services in Kampala city. Interview schedules and questionnaire methods were used to collect data. Interview questionnaires were administered to the key informants who were majorly Uber drivers/riders and customers. The questionnaire data was analyzed using SPSS to derive meaningful information in terms of tables and charts. Research revealed that, UberTaxi and Uberboda are the most commonly used and available Uber transport services in Kampala city, providing convenient and efficient services to its customers. Research also revealed that, Uber has greatly caused positive change in the `transport industry, by easing transportation using technologies. This has improved convenience and comfort, security and safety, guaranteed excellence and timeliness and generally perfect customer satisfaction. Uber transport was also found to have caused negative impacts of high traffic congestions due its mentality of not parking its cars and boda bodas, increased unfair competition against traditional riders/drivers and its being expensive as a result of wanting only smart phones and internet, affected by network failures. Research also revealed that, Uber riders/drivers face challenges while conducting their business, including poor roads, network failures, high competition and high traffic congestion. It was recommended that, Uber drivers and riders should park their cars in order to reduce traffic congestion in town, Uber Company should try to invent offline technology that will allow a basic phone also to book a ride, Uber should expand its services to other major cities in Uganda, and that, they should work hard to add more Boda bodas and cars in their APP to ensure efficient service. It was also recommended that, KCCA should expand existing roads and also constructs new ones in order to reduce jam and improve transportation experience of tourists in Kampala city, map and put signage to most of the areas in Kampala, and that, KCCA should liaise with telecommunication networks to provide stronger and cheap internet services in Kampala.