Business 29 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Rising Fuel Costs Drive Up Transport Fares Across Uganda
Taxi and bus operators in Uganda have hiked fares due to surging fuel prices and operational expenses, with passengers facing increases of Shs5,000 to Shs25,000 on various routes. While taxi operators monitor the situation cautiously, the government plans bulk fuel imports to stabilize supply. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/passengers-pay-dearly-as-fuel-prices-push-transport-fares-up-5441408
Passengers in Uganda are digging deeper into their pockets for travel as transport operators raise fares amid skyrocketing fuel prices. Petrol now sells for Shs6,900 to Shs7,000 per litre, and diesel between Shs5,780 and Shs6,000 in many areas, fueled by global oil market volatility and Middle East tensions.
Bus operator Brian Kwizera explained that fares for trips of 80-100 miles have jumped by Shs5,000, while longer journeys over 100 miles cost an extra Shs10,000. International routes to Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan see hikes of Shs20,000 to Shs25,000. He pointed to rising spare parts costs, maintenance, and occasional fuel shortages disrupting schedules.
Key routes reflect the changes:
Western: Kampala-Masaka: Shs15,000 to Shs20,000; Kampala-Mbarara: Shs30,000 to Shs35,000; Kampala-Kabale: Shs40,000 to Shs50,000.
Eastern: Kampala-Mbale: Shs25,000 to Shs30,000; Kampala-Tororo: Shs20,000 to Shs25,000.
Northern: Kampala-Gulu: Shs35,000 to Shs45,000; Kampala-Arua: Shs50,000 to Shs60,000.
Taxi operators, led by Federation chairman Rashid Ssekindi, have not issued formal increases but report informal hikes, like Shs500 extra on short Kampala commutes and up to Shs5,000 on longer ones. Ssekindi urged government action to curb prices and shortages.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa announced imports of 163 million litres of petrol, over 200 million litres of diesel, and 22.4 million litres of Jet A-1 through UNOC to boost supply resilience.
Passengers like Joan Nakayiza are cutting trips, opting for calls instead, or turning to electric motorcycles. Declining ridership highlights the strain amid high living costs.
Source: Daily Monitor