news 25 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Fuel Crisis: Boda Boda Riders Resort to Risky Engine Tweaks in Kabale
Amid soaring fuel prices in Kabale, motorcycle operators are modifying engines to cut consumption, despite warnings of long-term damage. Mechanics report high demand for these risky adjustments as alternatives like electric bikes gain traction. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/fuel-crisis-motorcyclists-derive-risky-coping-mechanisms-5436290
In Kabale town, boda boda riders are tackling the ongoing fuel crisis by tweaking their motorcycles’ engines to use less petrol. Mechanics reduce the jet intake, lowering fuel consumption but also cutting power and speed, which complicates navigating the district’s hilly terrain.
Operator Hussein Mande shared that after adjustments at a local garage, his bike now covers distances for Shs2,000 instead of Shs4,000. This saves money amid prices hitting Shs5,800 to Shs8,000 per litre for petrol and Shs5,343 to Shs5,680 for diesel.
Garage owner Denis Twibaza says up to 30 riders visit daily for these mods, paying Shs3,000 to Shs5,000 each. However, he warns of serious downsides, including damaged engine rings and reduced overall performance over time.
The crisis extends beyond transport. Timber cutter Milton Tumukuratire has halted operations, as fuel costs have skyrocketed, forcing him to pause after previously managing with under Shs200,000 for large batches.
Spiro’s Mary Katasi, promoting electric motorbikes, urges riders to switch, highlighting their reliability during such shortages.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)