Yoweri Museveni has ignited a heated regional debate after downplaying concerns over rising fuel prices, telling motorists who cannot afford petrol to simply stay at home.
Speaking at the Africa We Build Summit 2026, the Ugandan leader made it clear that high pump prices for vehicles are not his primary concern, shifting focus instead to the cost of aviation fuel.
“If You Can’t Afford It, Stay Home”
Museveni’s blunt remarks quickly went viral across East Africa, particularly among motorists already grappling with the high cost of living.
“If the fuel is expensive, stay at home, where are you going?” he said.
He went further, dismissing leisure travel altogether:
“People who are going to nightclubs and other things, I don’t care so much about them. If you don’t have the money, stay at home.”
The comments have triggered strong reactions online, with critics accusing the president of being out of touch with everyday economic realities, while supporters argue he is prioritising strategic economic sectors.
Why Jet Fuel Matters More
Museveni explained that his recent engagements with William Ruto were not centred on petrol or diesel prices, but rather on jet fuel.
According to him, aviation fuel plays a far greater role in economic stability than road fuel.
He highlighted three key areas where jet fuel is critical:
- Tourism: High aviation costs discourage international visitors
- Exports: Air transport is essential for high-value and perishable goods
- Regional trade: Competitive fuel pricing supports airline operations
“Jet fuel is not only for travel, it is also for tourism… If the cost is high, tourists will not come,” Museveni noted.
Push for Kenya–Uganda Coordination
The Ugandan president also revealed that he had urged both governments to adopt a unified approach to fuel pipeline management.
“So that the governments of Kenya and Uganda can have a common voice on the pipeline, mainly because of jet fuel,” he said.
This signals a broader push for regional coordination in energy logistics, particularly as East African economies become increasingly interconnected.
Rising Fuel Prices Across East Africa
Museveni’s remarks come at a time when fuel costs are a major driver of inflation across the region.
A comparison of fuel prices reveals stark differences:
- Kenya: Petrol – KSh 206.97 | Diesel – KSh 206.84
- Rwanda: Petrol – KSh 203.17 | Diesel – KSh 194.52
- Tanzania: Petrol – KSh 189.81 | Diesel – KSh 189.11
- Uganda: Petrol – KSh 184.55 | Diesel – KSh 174.10
- Ethiopia: Petrol – KSh 109.36 | Diesel – KSh 115.70
Kenya currently ranks as the most expensive fuel market in the region, with petrol and diesel prices nearly identical—an unusual trend compared to neighbouring countries.
Ethiopia stands out as the cheapest, with prices nearly half those of Kenya, and a rare pricing structure where diesel costs more than petrol.
Public Reaction: Mixed and Emotional
Online reactions have been swift and divided.
Many citizens expressed frustration, arguing that fuel is not just about leisure but also about daily survival—affecting:
- Transport costs
- Food prices
- Small businesses
- Commuting to work
Others, however, supported Museveni’s stance, interpreting it as a call to prioritise economic productivity over consumption.
The debate has also reignited broader questions about leadership, economic priorities, and how governments respond to cost-of-living pressures.
Bigger Picture: Economy vs Everyday Life
At its core, Museveni’s argument reflects a policy dilemma faced by many governments:
Should priority be given to sectors that drive foreign exchange—like tourism and exports—or to easing the daily burden on citizens?
By focusing on jet fuel, Museveni is effectively advocating for a top-down economic strategy, where strengthening key industries is expected to eventually benefit the wider population.
However, critics argue that ignoring pump prices risks deepening inequality and public dissatisfaction.
Conclusion
Museveni’s comments have struck a nerve across East Africa, highlighting the tension between macroeconomic priorities and everyday realities.
While his focus on jet fuel underscores the importance of tourism and exports, his dismissal of motorists’ struggles has amplified public debate on leadership and economic empathy.
As fuel prices continue to shape the cost of living across the region, the conversation is unlikely to fade anytime soon.