By Nesta Larry
A little over a year ago fuel pump prices in Uganda rose close to 7000 Shillings per litre of petrol. It seemed like the situation had gotten out of hand and would be nearly impossible to manage.
Many people voiced their concerns and obvious worries seeking government intervention to curb the unusual situation. Opposition politicians went as far as telling the president to subsidize fuel.
Other politicians were asking the government to remove taxes on fuel which is about 1300 shillings per litre so that the price can drop to about 5600 shillings per litre. This, to them, was the solution, not factoring in the importance of taxes on fuel in building infrastructure, and giving social services like education and health care to the citizens.
President Museveni refused these suggestions by identifying and stating the source of the problem at the time that had raised fuel prices worldwide and Uganda got more affected due to its geographical location. He calmly told Ugandans to go on with their normal activities of production and assured them the prices would normalize.
The President also pulled out another masterstroke with the creation of Uganda Oil Company and that piece of legislation that gave them authority to do importation of fuel into the country. It has proved to be the wisest idea by the president that has surely returned normalcy to the situation.
We all agree that the current price of petrol of 4700 per litre at most fuel stations in the country is the best deal. However, those who cursed the president then and hurled all sorts of insults and allegations are tight-lipped, they pretend as if they do not see what the old man and his government have done on this issue.
The other annoying part of this story is that transport companies hiked fares urging and basing on the high fuel prices, but even now when the prices are so friendly, none of those companies have reduced the transport fares. For example, bus companies on the Fort Portal-Kampala route increased the fares from 35000 shs to 40000 shs, now that the prices are low, they seem not bothered to lower the fares back to 35000 shs.
Ugandans continue to observe and trust President Museveni due to his foresightedness on several key issues in Uganda and the world. You will remember how he handled the Covid lockdowns even when several politicians were criticizing his modus operandi, they proved to be the cleverest and safest ideas that saved many lives of Ugandans.
Nesta Larry | Assistant Resident City Commissioner, Fort Portal City
