Da Dona
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- Dec 16, 2025
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The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has accused the Ugandan government of failing to prepare the country for fuel supply crises, following the sharp increase in fuel prices at filling stations across the country.
📸: Patrick Oboi Amuriat during the 2021 Presidential Election Campaigns, image courtesy of Daily Monitor UG
Speaking during the party’s weekly media briefing at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi on Thursday, FDC president Patrick Oboi Amuriat said the current fuel price surge reflects years of poor planning and negligence by the government.
According to Amuriat, Uganda should have established strong fuel reserve systems capable of protecting citizens from international market disruptions and sudden global oil price shocks.
Fuel prices have in recent weeks risen significantly, with some fuel stations reportedly increasing pump prices by nearly 150 percent. The rise has largely been linked to escalating geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have disrupted global oil markets.
Amuriat argued that although Uganda cannot directly control international fuel prices, a functioning government should have strategic reserves to sustain the country during periods of crisis.
“Whereas Uganda may not be able to control international price escalations, any functioning government maintains fuel reserves enough to sustain the country for at least six months without price increases even as global prices rise,” he said.
The FDC president further accused the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government of dismantling fuel reserves that existed before 1986 and ignoring repeated calls from the opposition to restore them.
“When the NRM came to power in 1986, fuel reserves existed in this country. They dismantled them and sold some of them to private investors. For the last 20 years, we have advised them to revive these reserves, but they have ignored us,” Amuriat added.
The opposition party is now demanding emergency tax waivers on fuel and fuel-dependent products to help stabilize prices and reduce pressure on Ugandans already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Meanwhile, government officials have maintained that the fuel price increases are largely caused by external factors such as global crude oil prices, supply disruptions, and the strengthening US dollar. The government has also assured the public that Uganda still has sufficient fuel reserves and supply routes remain operational.
During the same briefing, FDC also warned government against imposing excessive restrictions in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, saying Uganda should avoid repeating the economic hardships experienced during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The party criticized restrictions on gatherings, business closures, and border shutdowns, arguing that disease prevention efforts should be balanced with protecting livelihoods.
FDC additionally raised concerns over possible corruption during the Ebola response, citing allegations of inflated procurements and financial mismanagement similar to what was witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the criticism, the party commended frontline health workers involved in containing the outbreak.
Nilepost News
📸: Patrick Oboi Amuriat during the 2021 Presidential Election Campaigns, image courtesy of Daily Monitor UG
Speaking during the party’s weekly media briefing at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi on Thursday, FDC president Patrick Oboi Amuriat said the current fuel price surge reflects years of poor planning and negligence by the government.
According to Amuriat, Uganda should have established strong fuel reserve systems capable of protecting citizens from international market disruptions and sudden global oil price shocks.
Fuel prices have in recent weeks risen significantly, with some fuel stations reportedly increasing pump prices by nearly 150 percent. The rise has largely been linked to escalating geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have disrupted global oil markets.
Amuriat argued that although Uganda cannot directly control international fuel prices, a functioning government should have strategic reserves to sustain the country during periods of crisis.
“Whereas Uganda may not be able to control international price escalations, any functioning government maintains fuel reserves enough to sustain the country for at least six months without price increases even as global prices rise,” he said.
The FDC president further accused the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government of dismantling fuel reserves that existed before 1986 and ignoring repeated calls from the opposition to restore them.
“When the NRM came to power in 1986, fuel reserves existed in this country. They dismantled them and sold some of them to private investors. For the last 20 years, we have advised them to revive these reserves, but they have ignored us,” Amuriat added.
The opposition party is now demanding emergency tax waivers on fuel and fuel-dependent products to help stabilize prices and reduce pressure on Ugandans already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Meanwhile, government officials have maintained that the fuel price increases are largely caused by external factors such as global crude oil prices, supply disruptions, and the strengthening US dollar. The government has also assured the public that Uganda still has sufficient fuel reserves and supply routes remain operational.
During the same briefing, FDC also warned government against imposing excessive restrictions in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, saying Uganda should avoid repeating the economic hardships experienced during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The party criticized restrictions on gatherings, business closures, and border shutdowns, arguing that disease prevention efforts should be balanced with protecting livelihoods.
FDC additionally raised concerns over possible corruption during the Ebola response, citing allegations of inflated procurements and financial mismanagement similar to what was witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the criticism, the party commended frontline health workers involved in containing the outbreak.
Nilepost News
