The ongoing fuel crisis in the East African country has forced the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) to change the venue of the National Road Relays race from Kibogo to Kampala.
"The transport fares are just unbearable. We have realized many teams may find it difficult making it to Kiboga," UAF official Beatrice Ayikoru was quoted by Daily Monitor on Tuesday as saying.
"Even as a federation, it's costly to transport officials," she added.
Transport fares to most upcountry areas have more than doubled following the fuel shortage that has been brought about by the post-election violence in neighboring Kenya.
A liter of petrol at most fuel stations in Kampala had during last week gone up to between 4,000 Ugandan shillings (2.35 U.S. dollars) and 6,000 shillings (3.53 dollars).
Though the prices reduced to about 2,500 shillings (1.47 dollars) after Shell Uganda brought in several tankers on Monday, there is no guarantee they will be stable unless the chaos in Kenya comes to an end.
The road relays will now take place on Saturday in Lubiri, Mengo.
"It's the same venue and route we used last year and athletes should easily locate the place. All stakeholders should bear with the situation and turn up in big numbers," said the official.
Makerere University, Kampala Central, Arua District, Nkumba University, Rhino, Prisons, Police and defending champions Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) are some of the teams expected to take part.
Source: Xinhua
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