The opposition party wants government to disclose usable fuel stocks, storage capacity, procurement costs and pricing margins while reviewing fuel taxes to cushion households and businesses against rising costs.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has demanded cuts to fuel taxes and a transparent audit of Uganda’s strategic petroleum reserves, accusing the government of failing to adequately shield households and businesses from rising fuel prices.
Robert Centenary, the party’s vice chairperson, said government should disclose the country’s available fuel stocks, the operational status of petroleum storage facilities and the number of days essential fuel demand could be sustained in the event of a supply disruption.
The opposition party also wants a breakdown of petroleum procurement costs, taxes, distribution expenses, profit margins and the factors behind changes in pump prices.
“Government must establish the current position on usable fuel stocks, storage capacity and the number of days for which essential fuel demand could be sustained during a supply disruption without a rise in price,” Centenary said.
The demands come as fuel costs remain a key concern for households and businesses because of their effect on transport, food distribution, electricity generation and the prices of goods and services.
FDC argues that although Uganda has limited control over international crude oil prices, government can cushion consumers against external shocks through strategic fuel storage, diversified supply arrangements, transparent procurement and timely policy interventions.
The party also called for a review of fuel and import-related taxes, arguing that targeted reductions could ease transport costs, lower the cost of doing business and reduce pressure on household budgets.
However, any tax reductions would need to be weighed against their impact on government revenue and supported by an assessment of how much of the relief would be passed on to consumers through lower pump prices.
FDC Questions Management Of Petroleum Reserves
Centenary questioned the historical management of petroleum reserves under the National Resistance Movement government, alleging that some storage facilities were neglected while others were sold to private companies.
The party did not, however, provide an inventory of the facilities in question, their current operational status or documentary evidence detailing the alleged disposals.
Uganda’s petroleum supply system relies heavily on imported refined petroleum products, making the country vulnerable to international price movements, foreign-exchange fluctuations and disruptions along supply routes.
The country has historically imported most of its petroleum products through Kenya, with the Port of Mombasa serving as a major entry point for fuel destined for Uganda and other inland markets.
This dependence means that disruptions affecting shipping, regional transport infrastructure, foreign-exchange availability or supply arrangements can increase the cost of bringing fuel into the country.
FDC wants government to publish regular information on usable fuel stocks and storage capacity so that the public can assess the country’s preparedness for supply disruptions rather than relying on general assurances.
It also proposed establishing a transparent, independently audited strategic petroleum reserve, with clear reporting on procurement, storage, stock movements and pricing.
Cost Of Living And Business Pressure
The party said rising living costs were forcing households to struggle with food, transport, rent, electricity bills and school requirements.
Centenary also warned that traders importing merchandise ahead of the festive season faced additional pressure from exchange-rate movements, which can raise the cost of imported goods and essential supplies.
FDC called on government to consider targeted and time-limited relief measures during severe fuel-price shocks, supported by fiscal assessments and safeguards to ensure that the benefits reach consumers.
Centenary criticised government advice urging Ugandans to limit unnecessary movements in response to high fuel prices, arguing that transport is a source of income for many workers and businesses.
“How do you tell a boda-boda rider to stop moving when movement is how they earn a living? How do you tell a trader, a farmer or an ordinary worker to stay home when their livelihoods depend on getting to work, reaching markets and serving their customers?” the statement reads.
The party said government should instead develop an emergency response plan to protect essential transport, food distribution and other productive economic activities during periods of fuel-price volatility.
FDC Calls For Reduced Import Dependence
Beyond fuel prices, the opposition party linked the cost-of-living pressure to Uganda’s trade deficit, arguing that dependence on imported goods exposes consumers and businesses to external shocks.
It called for increased investment in local manufacturing, agricultural production, agro-processing and export-oriented enterprises to reduce import dependence and strengthen the domestic economy.
FDC also urged government to consider Bank of Uganda guidance on using available foreign-exchange reserves to manage exchange-rate pressures while preserving macroeconomic stability.
Its broader proposals include reviewing public expenditure, strengthening procurement oversight and redirecting resources towards essential services and productive investment.
The party said the proposals form part of its economic programme and would be pursued if it were elected to government.
The demands place renewed focus on the balance between protecting consumers from fuel-price shocks, maintaining government revenue and building a more resilient petroleum supply system.
For the proposals to be assessed fully, government would need to publish verifiable information on petroleum storage facilities, usable stocks, procurement arrangements and the fiscal implications of any proposed tax reductions.