Uganda fuel procurement shift sparks audit demands in Kenya

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has stated that Uganda ceased purchasing fuel through Kenyan brokers to avoid being “fleeced” by middlemen. Museveni claimed that the previous government-to-government arrangement functioned more as a “government-to-middlemen” deal, and that moving toward direct sourcing through the Uganda National Oil Company and global trader Vitol has reduced premiums on petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel.

Following these remarks, the Motorist Association of Kenya (MAK) has demanded a full forensic audit of Kenya’s government-to-government petroleum procurement system. The association is calling for an independent investigation into fuel imports, pricing, and distribution, specifically requesting disclosure regarding intermediaries, commissions, contracts, and the actual landed cost of fuel cargoes.

While the Kenyan government has maintained that diplomatic ties remain strong and that Uganda is well-represented on the Kenya Pipeline board, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized the procurement deals, alleging they were arranged for private benefit rather than state interest.