Transport fares across Kampala and other parts of the country have increased following a sharp rise in fuel prices, leaving commuters and operators struggling with higher costs and reduced passenger numbers.
Taxi and bus operators say fuel prices have risen from between Shs4,000 and Shs5,000 per litre to over Shs6,500, forcing transporters to adjust fares in order to remain operational.
Some fuel stations have also experienced intermittent shortages, further worsening the situation as vehicles spend more time off the road or queue for fuel.
As a result, taxi operators in Kampala have increased fares by Shs500 on short-distance routes, while longer routes such as Mityana and Mubende have registered increases of up to Shs1,000.
Some bus companies have added between Shs5,000 and Shs10,000, depending on the route.
The fare increases have been largely attributed to rising fuel costs, which transporters link to global geopolitical tensions, including the conflict between Iran and Israel and the involvement of the United States.
Noorden Mukuye, chairperson of Masuulita stage in the New Taxi Park, says poor road conditions have worsened fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs.
According to Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), passenger transport by road inflation rose to 10.6 percent last month, up from 2.2 percent in April 2026, with fuel price increases identified as a key driver of inflationary pressure.
By URN
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