Upcountry journeys are increasingly testing motorists, with long distances, unpredictable fuel stops and stretching road conditions making poor planning a costly mistake. Here is why getting your fuel strategy right before you set off can determine whether your trip is smooth or stressful.
Motorists across Uganda are increasingly facing a frustrating reality; fuel stations that unexpectedly run dry. For long-distance travellers, particularly those heading upcountry, the journey from Kampala to their destination now involves not just distance but also uncertainty.
Suzan Adikin woke up early one morning, both excited and anxious, as she prepared for her first long-distance self-drive journey to Arua City in the West Nile sub-region. Unsure of what lay ahead, she asked her colleague, Jackson Kibwota, to join her. Having someone experienced by her side gave her the confidence to handle any challenges that might arise.
Adikin had never driven more than 300kms outside Kampala, and the thought of covering the approximately 440km journey to Arua was both thrilling and daunting.
As they set off, Adikin drove with confidence, observing traffic rules and speed limits. She enjoyed the journey, relishing the freedom and sense of accomplishment that came with her first long-distance drive.
However, the trip was not without tense moments. At one point, a reckless driver nearly collided head-on with her vehicle, turning an enjoyable journey into a frightening near-miss. Fortunately, she managed to avoid the crash and continued unharmed.
A few hours into the trip, Kibwota asked how much fuel was left in the tank. It was at that moment Adikin realised she had not filled the vehicle before leaving Kampala. Given the long distance to Arua and the uncertainty of fuel availability along some sections of the route, they agreed to stop at the next fuel station to top up the tank.
The decision appeared sensible. Having adequate fuel would guarantee a smoother journey and provide peace of mind, especially when travelling through remote areas where access to fuel can be unpredictable.
However, even simple plans can quickly unravel on Uganda’s highways. The first fuel station they stopped at had completely run out of fuel. With no alternative, they continued their journey, hoping to find another station further ahead.
After travelling nearly 170kms, they finally spotted another fuel station. Their relief was short-lived when the attendants informed them that only diesel was available; the station had run out of petrol.
This development heightened anxiety, particularly for Kibwota, who warned that they needed to find petrol as soon as possible. He feared that if the vehicle ran out of fuel near the national park, they could find themselves stranded in an isolated area.
What had started as an exciting road trip was rapidly turning into a lesson about the importance of fuel planning. As the fuel gauge continued to drop, their concern grew.
Their worries finally eased upon reaching Kigumba, where they found a fuel station with petrol available. Although the fuel was selling at about Shs500 more per litre than in Kampala, they had little choice but to refuel.
Without hesitation, they filled the tank, prioritising safety and peace of mind over the additional cost. The decision proved worthwhile, especially as they were about to traverse a long stretch through a national park, where service points are sparse and assistance is difficult to access.
For Adikin, this experience was a stark reminder that fuel availability should never be taken for granted during long-distance travel. What had initially seemed like a minor decision had nearly turned into a stressful ordeal.
Fuel uncertainty on upcountry routes
As fuel stations continue to expand along Uganda’s major highways, motorists now have more options than ever before. However, fuel availability, especially petrol, can still be unpredictable in some remote areas, where pumps may run dry without warning.
Stephen Sebandeke, a road safety enthusiast in Kampala, says motorists should first determine the distance to their destination before embarking on any journey outside the city. Knowing the length of the trip helps drivers estimate the amount of fuel needed and identify refuelling points along the route.
Sebandeke emphasises that fuel planning is often overlooked when considering road safety. By understanding a vehicle’s fuel consumption rate and the distance to be travelled, motorists can avoid the anxiety and risks associated with running low on fuel in unfamiliar or remote areas.
He advises drivers to start with a full tank whenever possible and to identify reliable fuel stations before setting off, particularly when travelling through sparsely populated regions where fuel availability can be inconsistent.
Outside of Kampala and other major urban centres, petrol is generally less available than diesel. In some cases, fuel stations completely run out of petrol, forcing motorists to travel long distances in search of the next available supply.
‘The best approach is to refuel before the tank reaches critically low levels and to identify reliable fuel stations along the route. This strategy helps motorists avoid the uncertainty and inconvenience caused by fuel shortages in remote areas,’ Sebandeke advises.
Diesel vs petrol
Patrick Kimera, a mechanic, emphasises the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances when travelling to remote destinations. ‘If you are travelling through areas with limited access to fuel stations, it is crucial to have an emergency backup plan,’ he says.
He recommends carrying a small reserve of fuel in an approved container, such as a specialised jerrycan, while ensuring that safety guidelines are followed. Kimera notes that diesel fuel is generally more available than petrol at many rural fuel stations, making motorists with petrol-powered vehicles more susceptible to shortages.
Moses Obet, a fuel manager at Igar Fuel Station on the northern route, explains that the station receives a larger supply of diesel than petrol because of the significantly higher demand for diesel in the area. ‘As a result, motorists driving petrol vehicles should always ensure they have enough fuel before setting off, as refuelling opportunities may not always be available,’ Obet advises.
Plan before you move
Isaac Khisa, a bus driver on the Kampala-Moroto route, reports that the situation has significantly improved in recent years due to the increasing number of fuel stations on major highways.
‘Before leaving Kampala, we always make sure to have enough fuel. However, if we encounter mechanical problems along the way and need to stop at fuel stations, we usually find that fuel is available,’ Khisa says.
Adikin’s experience serves as a reminder that while a road trip may begin with excitement and adventure, a simple oversight, such as forgetting to refuel, can quickly turn the journey into a stressful ordeal.
On Uganda’s highways, the fuel gauge is more than just a dashboard instrument; it represents careful planning, timing, and sometimes a bit of luck.
Lessons from the road
For travellers embarking on long-distance journeys, experts recommend that fuel planning be an essential part of trip preparation. It is important to fill the tank before departure, identify reliable fuel stations along the route, carry an emergency fuel reserve when necessary, and ensure the vehicle is in good mechanical condition. These steps can help prevent unnecessary stress and delays.