Tips for Ugandan Drivers to Stretch Every Litre Amid Rising Fuel Costs

Fuel prices in Uganda have climbed, with petrol now hovering between Shs5,350 and Shs5,399 per litre in Kampala, and diesel around Shs5,150. This rise, driven by global tensions, is squeezing motorists’ budgets, but experts say better habits can make a big difference.

Simon Kaggwa, who commutes between Kampala and Jinja, saw his weekly fuel bill jump from Shs80,000 to Shs100,000. After learning aggressive driving wastes up to 20% of fuel, he switched to smoother acceleration and braking, extending his tank further.

Road safety expert Stephen Damulira compares vehicles to people, stressing the need for steady speeds and avoiding sudden stops. Driving at 80km/h instead of 110km/h on highways like Kampala-Gulu can slash usage by 25%. Planning trips to dodge peak traffic and turning off the engine during long idles also helps.

Bus driver Richardson Ojok notes that night schedules avoid congested areas like Bwaise-Kawempe, allowing consistent speeds and lower costs. Monitoring dashboard stats for real-time feedback on speed and idling empowers adjustments on the go.

Mechanic Daniel Lwanga emphasizes regular servicing, including fresh oil and clean air filters, for optimal efficiency. He recommends using AC sparingly, keeping tyres properly inflated to reduce resistance, and removing excess weight from the car.

Kaggwa tested these tips for two weeks—gentle driving, no idling, correct tyre pressure, minimal AC, and ditching a heavy toolbox. His Shs100,000 now covers two round trips, saving nearly Shs50,000 weekly.

At the pump, stay vigilant: check meter resets, demand receipts, watch dispensing, and know your tank capacity to avoid short measures.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)