news 13 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandans Experience Relief as Fuel Prices See a Slight Decrease
Motorists and transport operators across Uganda are expressing cautious optimism following a recent drop in fuel pump prices, offering a reprieve from months of financial strain. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/slight-fuel-drop-sigh-of-relief-for-road-users-5457828
Across various fuel stations in Arua City, Soroti, Jinja, and other regions, drivers and boda-boda riders have welcomed a slight reduction in pump prices. This easing of costs comes after a challenging period where soaring fuel prices significantly impacted earnings.
In Arua City’s taxi park, drivers reported a noticeable difference. “The situation was worse two weeks ago, when we bought fuel at Shs 8,000 to Shs 10,000 a litre. But now… it has dropped to 5,800, and the highest is now at Shs 6,750 per litre,” shared Mr. David Adia.
Boda-boda riders echoed this sentiment. “We have been spending almost everything we earn on fuel. At least now we can breathe a little,” said Mr. Kennedy Ojandu. He highlighted how high prices previously forced fare increases, leading to passenger dissatisfaction, when the actual issue was profit erosion due to fuel costs.
The international conflict between the United States and Iran, which affected trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz, was cited as a major cause for the earlier price hikes.
In Soroti, fuel supply has reportedly stabilized. A litre of petrol at Total is now Shs 5,800, down from previous highs. Drivers anticipate this stability could lead to fare reductions, such as a potential drop from Shs 25,000 to the previous rate for the Moroto to Soroti route.
However, the situation is mixed in Jinja, where prices remain high for some operators. Mr. Khalidi Muyingo, head of the Jinja Taxi Operators and Drivers Association, noted diesel at Shs 5,500 and petrol at Shs 6,000 per litre, appealing for government intervention to lower costs.
Further west, in Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu, fuel prices remain elevated, with per-litre costs ranging from Shs 5,900 to over Shs 7,400. This has led to significant increases in transport fares, forcing some passengers to walk and some operators to consider alternative livelihoods.
Despite these regional variations, the overall slight decrease offers a glimmer of hope for improved affordability and a more stable transport sector across Uganda.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)