The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has lashed out at the NRM government over the escalating cost of living and soaring fuel prices, alleging ordinary Ugandans are being forced to pay for decades of economic mismanagement.

According to Robbert Franco Centenary, the FDC party’s Vice Chairperson, families across the country are struggling to afford food, transport, rent, school fees and electricity as fuel prices hit UGX 7,000 per litre in many parts of the country.

“We come out to raise our concerns over the escalating cost of living, rising fuel prices, the growing pressure on ordinary Ugandans and the continued failure of the NRM government to translate Uganda’s economic potential into prosperity for ordinary citizens,” Centenary said.

The party criticized government’s advice that Ugandans should reduce unnecessary movement to cope with high fuel prices, calling it proof that the government has run out of practical solutions.

“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?” Centenary asked.

However, while acknowledging that Uganda cannot control global oil prices, the party argued that the government can reduce vulnerability to external shocks through strategic fuel storage, transparent procurement, responsible taxation and diversified supply.

Centenary also demanded accountability for Uganda’s fuel reserves, which it said were inherited from previous governments but were neglected and some sold to private companies. He wants the government to disclose current usable fuel stocks, storage capacity, and how many days the country can sustain essential demand during a disruption without a price hike.

The party also called for a review of fuel taxes and import duties, warning that new tax measures are worsening the burden on businesses importing goods ahead of the festive season.

The party criticized the President for ignoring advice from the Bank of Uganda to use available foreign reserves to stabilize the shilling, which has crossed UGX 4,090 against the dollar and is driving up fuel and import costs.

However, by press time, the government had not responded to the FDC’s demands.