Written By Philemon Okillong
Uganda has experienced a surge in energy and fuel prices at a time when the economy is struggling to rebound from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent containment measures. More succinctly, Uganda experienced a 12 percent increase in its liquid energy fuels price index between April 2021 and April 2022. In addition, the fuel index for liquefied propane (cooking gas) slightly increased by 1.5 percent, and Paraffin by nearly 0.9 percent between January and April 2022. Read full article
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he price of essential commodities is rising by leaps and bounds. This spells trouble for most of the population that is yet to recover from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. The price hike of essential household items such as laundry bar soap and cooking oil between June 2021 and March 2022 is noticeable. This has increased the cost of living which threatens the general welfare of especially the poor and lower income families. 
On 19th March 2022 the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) formally joined the East African Community EAC after signing the Treaty of the Accession of DRC into the EAC in Nairobi Kenya. DRC becomes the 7th member of the EAC pending ratification of the treaty and deposit of the instruments of ratification to the Secretary-general by September 29th, 2022. The entry of DRC increased the region’s combined GDP by 22 percent and geographical area by 79 percent. The EAC will have a combined GDP USD143 million and home to 266 million people. These metrics provide, an opportunity for a wider market which is beneficial to the entire membership. 
