Transport costs have risen significantly in Kabale Municipality following a sharp increase in fuel prices, with operators blaming global oil supply disruptions and heightened demand as schools close for the first-term holidays.
Petrol in Kabale is currently selling between Shs5,600 and Shs9,000 per litre, while diesel ranges between Shs5,200 and Shs6,000, triggering immediate fare adjustments across taxi and boda boda services.
The price surge is linked to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have disrupted oil transport routes through the Strait of Hormuz—a key global corridor for crude oil shipments.
Although government has maintained that fuel supply remains stable nationally, shortages and price variations have been reported in several parts of Kabale, where motorists are queuing for fuel and in some cases storing it in containers in anticipation of further increases.
The impact has been most visible in public transport, where operators have revised fares upward to offset operational costs during the high-demand holiday travel period.
Transport from Kabale to Mbarara has increased from Shs15,000 to Shs20,000, while fares from Kabale to Kisoro have risen from Shs15,000 to Shs22,000.
Saturday Byamugisha, Chairperson of Kabale Taxi Operators, said the dual pressure of rising fuel costs and increased passenger demand has left operators with no option but to adjust prices.
“The surge in passenger numbers as term one closes, combined with high fuel costs, leaves us in transport with no choice but to increase prices,” Byamugisha said.
He warned that fares could rise further if fuel prices continue their upward trend.
However, Kabale Bus Operators Chairperson Henry Tidyebwa said bus companies are still monitoring the situation, noting that diesel prices have not risen as sharply as petrol.
In the boda boda sector, riders say the cost of short-distance travel has doubled. Baron Katurebe, a rider in Kabale town, said fares have increased from Shs1,000 to Shs2,000 due to rising fuel costs and heightened demand.
“If fuel costs continue to rise, many of us riders will be forced to stop working altogether,” he said.
The developments have sparked concern among residents, with fears that continued fuel instability could further strain household budgets and disrupt transport-dependent economic activity in the region.