President Yoweri Museveni has disclosed that he is engaging with his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The three leaders are working together to resolve the long-standing issue of exorbitant petroleum product prices that have been plaguing Ugandans.
In a Twitter message addressed to “Fellow Ugandans and, especially, the Bazzukulu,” President Museveni shed light on the issue and the steps being taken to rectify it. He stated, “Let me start with the kuseerwa (being over-charged) for the petroleum products from abroad.”
Museveni expressed his dismay at the fact that Uganda had been purchasing vast quantities of petroleum products from middlemen in Kenya without his knowledge. He emphasized the need to buy directly from refineries abroad and transport the products through neighboring countries like Kenya and Tanzania to eliminate the excessive costs imposed by middlemen.
The President disclosed that he had become aware of this issue through whistleblowers a few years ago but was disheartened to discover that it had not been addressed by relevant authorities, despite his instructions. Upon investigating the matter, Museveni revealed the staggering price discrepancies:
- Diesel:
- Middlemen’s price – $118 per tonne
- Bulk suppliers or Refiners’ price – $83 per tonne
- Petrol:
- Middlemen’s price – $97.5 per tonne
- Bulk suppliers or Refiners’ price – $61.5 per tonne
- Kerosene:
- Middlemen’s price – $114 per tonne
- Bulk suppliers or Refiners’ price – $79 per tonne
These price differences illustrated the substantial losses incurred by Uganda due to middlemen involvement. President Museveni disclosed that they have now contracted bulk and refinery suppliers who can offer lower prices.
Museveni also revealed that he had discussed this issue with President William Ruto of Kenya, and a delegation from Uganda was currently in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, to discuss the matter with President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
In response to the revelation, President Ruto is handling the Kenyan part of the solution, and Museveni expressed his gratitude for Ruto’s contribution to the initiative. The President also provided assurance that, in a few years, Uganda’s Refinery would be operational, promising competitive petroleum product prices for Inland East African nations, free from the distribution costs associated with middlemen.
The impact of this initiative is expected to benefit the entire region, including Uganda, North-Western Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Western Kenya, South Sudan, and Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The move is seen as a significant step towards improving the economic well-being of the region and reducing the burden of high fuel prices on citizens.
President Museveni concluded his message by denouncing those who have attempted to hinder the progress of this initiative through social media and mainstream media campaigns, promising to confront such detractors. He reiterated his commitment to the “liberation-resistance plan against okuseerwa (being over-charged),” highlighting the importance of this endeavor for the people of Uganda and the entire East African region.
The collaborative effort between Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania is a promising step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective energy supply for the region.
