The political crisis in Kenya has spilled over into Uganda in the sense of economic repercussions. For the past couple of days, Uganda has experienced a fuel scarcity that is only reminiscent of the Idi Amin days. All fuel tankers destined to Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo were caught up in the violence in Kenya, prompting fuel stations to start hording fuel and escalating the price to over 8,000/- a litre up from 2,300/-. The exorbitant prices notwithstanding, motorists have been queuing for fuel for several metres every day and the cost of travel has also skyrocketed. This has also prompted the price of other goods and services to rise because of the same. All this has caused untold gloom to prevail in Kampala and the rest of the country as travelers who own cars have had to pack them at home and find alternative means. The only hope comes from the latest news of 155 oil tankers being escorted by police out of Kenya, twenty of which are said to have been cleared at the border. Once all these trucks arrive, the situation will certainly be mitigated. The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resource, Mr. Daudi Migereko earlier insinuated that there were fresh arrangements to have the oil tankers pass through Tanzania and enter Uganda via the southern border of Mutukula, in case the situation should persist. The problem about this route is the length that stretches across the entire expanse of Tanzania and the other stretch through Uganda - a thing that could cause the fuel to be more expensive.

The eastern border town of Malaba has become an entry point of Kenyan refugees destined to Uganda. Hundreds of refugees mostly of Kikuyu descent have been forced to flee for their dear lives to escape the wrath of the Jaluo, their tribal enemies. It’s unfortunate that the political war between two opponents has been used by tribal grouping to settle their long-standing scores. Most of the fleeing Kikuyus have been warmly welcomed by the Tororo RDC, Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, who has for now housed them at a primary school and taking care of their food needs. Everyone’s hope, however, is that the election impasse is done with and peace returns to Kenya. Efforts are already being made by some key figures, including South African Nobel laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who has arrived in Kenya as an arbiter. We only hope for the best in all the efforts.

By Nathan Kiwere, Kampala