Boda boda riders in Kamwenge District are facing increasing financial strain following a spike in fuel prices, with many operators warning that their daily earnings are no longer covering operational costs.
Speaking to Nile Post, the district chairperson of boda boda riders, Erick Byamukama, said the rising cost of fuel has made it difficult for riders to sustain their businesses, as attempts to raise transport fares have been met with resistance from customers.
“The cost of fuel has gone up significantly, but when we try to adjust transport fares, customers are not willing to understand. Many of us are now working without making any profit,” he said.
He called on government to intervene and also appealed to customers to be more understanding of the pressures facing riders.
“We call upon the government to urgently intervene and also appeal to our clients to appreciate the situation we are going through,” he added.
A spot survey conducted across several fuel stations in Kamwenge shows a consistent upward trend in pump prices. At TotalEnergies, petrol rose from Shs5,250 to Shs5,409 per litre.
At Stabex International, petrol is now selling at Shs6,000, with diesel at Shs5,500.
Prices at JT Oils have also climbed, with petrol retailing at Shs6,000 and diesel at Shs5,550. Meanwhile, Caltex stations reported petrol increasing from Shs5,000 to Shs6,100 per litre, while diesel now sells at Shs5,480.
The increases are placing immediate pressure on boda boda operators, whose businesses rely heavily on daily fuel consumption. With limited flexibility to pass on costs to passengers, many riders say their profit margins have been wiped out.
Industry observers warn that the situation could have wider economic implications, particularly in rural districts like Kamwenge where boda bodas are a primary mode of transport for both passengers and goods.
Any sustained increase in fuel prices is likely to raise the cost of mobility, disrupt small-scale trade, and affect access to essential services, further tightening household budgets.
For now, riders say they are caught between rising operational costs and price-sensitive customers, with little room to manoeuvre as they await possible intervention or market stabilization.