Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka has urged Ugandans to cut unnecessary journeys and share vehicles as the country grapples with soaring fuel prices.
Kiwanuka said the immediate challenge is the high cost of fuel, rather than a shortage, insisting that fuel remains available at filling stations.
“The supply is available. I don’t think anyone has gone to any pump station and has been told there is no fuel. The fuel is here. The issue is the price of that fuel.”
The Minister attributed the rising prices largely to international market conditions and called on Ugandans to reduce fuel consumption, including within households.
Kiwanuka particularly challenged families using several vehicles every day to consider sharing transport.
“If you have a family which is releasing from the compound four vehicles in a day, it is about time for us to start thinking maybe we can use one car and come back.”
His remarks come amid growing concern in Parliament over the rising cost of fuel, with Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi recently telling MPs that petrol and diesel prices had climbed to between Shs6,800 and Shs7,000 per litre.
Ssenyonyi warned that the rising pump prices were likely to further increase the cost of living and doing business, adding to pressure on households and businesses.
The fuel debate has also turned to the Shs200-per-litre increase in petroleum excise duty, which opposition MPs opposed during consideration of the 2026/27 tax measures.
As motorists and businesses continue to feel the impact of higher fuel prices, the government is urging the public to reduce consumption, while Parliament continues to scrutinise the factors behind the rising cost of petroleum products.
Instead of addressing the issue of fuel prices and how to manage it amicably, kiryowa is asking people to stop moving 😭
This thinking is stupid. Parliament should be dissolved https://t.co/hb4XrB05Fn
— Adonia Muwereza🇺🇬 (@adonia_muwereza) October 7, 2026
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