News
Civil Society Demands Urgent Action on Escalating Cost of Living Crisis
By Gad Masereka
Civil society organizations convened at PELUM Uganda’s offices in Ntinda, Kampala, on January 12, 2025, to raise the alarm over worsening economic conditions in Uganda. The meeting, attended by key representatives from SEATINI Uganda, ActionAid, and Reproductive Health Uganda, called for immediate government action to address what they described as a “national economic emergency.”
According to Mr. Kanakulya Lawrence of PELUM Uganda criticized the government for failing to cushion citizens against the soaring cost of living. He pointed out that runaway inflation, particularly on food and fuel, has pushed millions of Ugandans deeper into poverty. “The average Ugandan household can barely afford one decent meal a day. This situation is unsustainable,” he said.
The organizations highlighted how policy missteps, including overdependence on imports and underinvestment in agriculture, have exacerbated the crisis. “Uganda has immense agricultural potential, but the sector remains underfunded and neglected. This is a national disgrace,” argued Mr. Mugoya Moses from ActionAid.
Another point of contention was the escalating cost of transportation, driven by high fuel prices. According to the organizations, many workers, transport expenses consume nearly all their earnings, leaving little to cover basic needs. They also called for fuel tax reductions and investments in efficient, affordable public transportation.
The environmental degradation caused by illegal activities also came under scrutiny. “Our wetlands are being destroyed at an alarming rate, and deforestation is rampant. This is not just an environmental issue—it’s a direct threat to livelihoods,” said Mr. Richard Mugenyi. He accused government agencies of prioritizing corporate interests over community welfare, demanding stricter enforcement of environmental laws.
Key Proposals
The organizations laid out several recommendations:
- Reduce Taxes on Fuel: Lower fuel levies to bring down transportation costs.
- Prioritize Agricultural Investment: Allocate more funding to agriculture to boost food production and rural development.
- Enhance Public Transport: Invest in affordable and reliable transport systems for urban and rural areas.
- Strengthen Environmental Protections: Halt wetland encroachment and incentivize reforestation efforts.
- Stabilize Food Prices: Implement policies to regulate the prices of essential commodities.
According to Mr. Jonathan Lubega of SEATINI Uganda, failing to address these issues could lead to long-term economic stagnation. “We are on the brink of a crisis that could have dire consequences for both the economy and society,” he warned.
The organizations pledged to continue monitoring government actions and advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of ordinary Ugandans. They urged citizens to unite in demanding accountability and economic justice.
As the country moves closer to the next fiscal year, the civil society representatives stressed that their recommendations should not be ignored. “The government has an obligation to act now. Uganda cannot afford to let this crisis spiral further out of control,” concluded Mr. Kanakulya.
