By Mike Rwothomio

The Zombo District Boda Boda Association, representing over 4,000 riders across the district, has announced a sharp increase in transportation fares, citing escalating fuel costs driven by the ongoing Israel-America-Iran conflict in the Gulf region.

Leaders of the association attributed the fare adjustment to significant disruptions in global oil supply chains, particularly following restrictions imposed by the Iranian regime on oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz , the world’s most critical maritime oil chokepoint.

The strait handles approximately 20-25% of global seaborne crude oil and 20% of liquefied natural gas annually. Recent tensions have threatened energy security, resulting in higher pump prices and severe cost pressures on the transport sector.

Addressing journalists at a press conference held at Daudi Cotts in Paidha Town Council, association officials revealed that fuel prices at local filling stations have surged from the previous range of UGX 4,000–6,000 per litre.

 In response, they implemented immediate adjustments to operational tariffs to mitigate losses.

New Fare Structure

Paidha Town Council to Nebbi Municipality: Increased from UGX 7,000 to UGX 15,000

Paidha to Alangi: Increased from UGX 15,000 to UGX 25,000

Paidha to Mahagi (DR Congo): Increased from approximately UGX 18,000 to UGX 25,000

Juma Karim, General Stage Manager of the Paidha Boda Boda Association, expressed regret over the adjustments.

“We never intended to hike the prices, but this is due to unavoidable circumstances which we believe will normalize soon,” he stated.

Pump prices in recent weeks have climbed sharply, with some stations selling petrol above UGX 5,800 per litre and diesel at approximately UGX 5,300, up from around UGX 5,200 previously.

Amos Ogentho Ochora Okumu, Secretary General of the Okoro Constituency Boda Boda SACCO under the Emyooga programme, highlighted the impact on member savings.

“In the past one month, the association has recorded a significant decline in SACCO savings because members are not generating enough revenue. The fuel price surge is severely affecting our operations,” he noted, expressing optimism that normalcy would return once the situation stabilizes.

The fare hike has compounded challenges for the majority of riders who do not own their motorcycles and operate under daily or weekly return agreements with bike owners. 

Failure to meet these targets has led to increased tensions between riders and owners.

Pithua Charles Lobby, Treasurer of the Paidha Boda Boda Association and Vice Chairperson of the Okoro Constituency Boda Boda SACCO, acknowledged the mounting pressure on riders.

“Motorcycle owners should be tolerant with us at this moment. Most members are under immense pressure because they are not meeting previous return levels. Many customers are avoiding our services due to the high costs, yet we cannot operate at a loss,” he appealed.

Fred Onenarach, Chairperson of the Zombo District Boda Boda Association, described the situation as dire for the entire transport industry and broader local businesses.

He called on the government to intervene with targeted fuel subsidies.

“The Gulf conflict has greatly affected us as an industry. While we have been forced to adjust fares, our customers need to understand the situation. We appeal to the government to subsidize fuel prices to help normalize the market and ease the burden on transporters and the public,” Onenarach said, urging members to remain resilient.

Despite public concerns over potential fuel shortages, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) issued a joint statement on Tuesday dismissing reports of looming shortages as misleading. 

They cautioned that such claims could trigger panic buying and opportunistic price hikes.

As of March 27, 2026, Uganda held national fuel stocks of 81 million litres of petrol, 80 million litres of diesel, and 18.5 million litres of Jet A-1.

Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa assured the public that these reserves are sufficient for approximately 30 days of national consumption.

The ministry further confirmed that incoming shipments scheduled for April, including over 350 million litres of petroleum products delivered through Kenya, will significantly boost national stocks.

The leadership of Zombo Boda Boda Association addressed journalists at Daudi cotts.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub for african stories, trends and updates, stay connected!