The Uganda Freight Forwarders Association has expressed growing concern over escalating fuel prices, warning that the trend could significantly disrupt operations, particularly the transportation of goods across the country.
According to the association, the surge in fuel costs is being driven in part by global instability, including ongoing geopolitical tensions in regions such as Iran, which continue to strain international fuel supply chains and push prices upward.
Industry players fear that if the situation persists, it could lead to increased costs of doing business and ultimately impact the prices of goods on the domestic market.
The concerns were highlighted during the presentation of the association's annual report and financial statements for the year that ended in December 31, 2025. Leaders noted that while the operating environment has become increasingly challenging, the sector has demonstrated notable resilience.
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Speaking at the event, the association's chairperson, Charles Mwebembezi , said that despite the rising costs, the organization has maintained strong performance, particularly within the freight forwarding segment. He attributed this stability to strategic planning and the commitment of industry players to sustain operations under difficult conditions.
Board member Hussein Kidede echoed this outlook, revealing that the association has grown to include over 2,500 skilled professionals who continue to support its expanding operations. He emphasized that the availability of trained personnel has played a critical role in ensuring efficiency in the movement of goods, even as external pressures mount.
Kidede further underscored the importance of collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, noting that the partnership has been instrumental in maintaining operational continuity.
He said ongoing engagement with government stakeholders has helped address bottlenecks and streamline processes within the sector.
Freight forwarding remains a vital component of Uganda's economy, facilitating trade and ensuring the steady movement of imports and exports.
However, industry leaders caution that without targeted interventions to stabilize fuel prices, the sector could face increased strain, potentially affecting supply chains and the broader economy.
The association is now calling for coordinated efforts at both national and international levels to mitigate the impact of fuel price volatility and safeguard the efficiency of logistics and transport systems.
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