Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has provided clarity on his comments regarding government-to-government (G-to-G) agreements, revealing that the late former MP Cyrus Jirongo informed him about the involvement of intermediaries in the procurement of petroleum products.
In a statement posted on his X page on Sunday, September 20, 2026, Museveni expressed that he was previously unaware that Uganda was acquiring petroleum through middlemen in Kenya. He noted that Jirongo raised this concern with him around 2019, leading him to assign then Energy Minister Irene Muloni to investigate the situation.
“It was Senator Jirongo from Kenya who brought this to my attention in 2019, and I promptly tasked Minister Irene Muloni to address the issue,” Museveni stated.
He elaborated on his earlier remarks regarding Uganda’s procurement methods through G-to-G arrangements. Museveni highlighted that in 2023, Uganda revised its fuel procurement model by partnering with Vitol, a global petroleum company known for bulk fuel supply, which has significantly lowered the prices Uganda pays for petroleum products.
“Nothing changed until 2023, when we joined forces with Vitol, a company with refineries worldwide and a bulk supplier,” Museveni explained.
Under the agreement dated August 18, 2023, diesel prices in Uganda decreased from USD 118 to USD 83 per metric tonne, petrol prices fell from USD 97.5 to USD 61.5, and aviation fuel dropped from USD 114.25 to USD 79.25 per metric tonne.
Museveni acknowledged the role of President Ruto in facilitating this arrangement, expressing gratitude for his assistance in overcoming resistance from certain stakeholders in Kenya. “I want to thank H.E. Ruto for successfully advocating on our behalf,” he remarked.
He also mentioned that the Kenyan government has permitted Uganda to utilize the Kenya oil pipeline for its petroleum products, along with allowing Uganda to acquire a 20.15 percent stake in the pipeline.
Reflecting on the past, Museveni reiterated that Uganda had previously been purchasing petroleum products through intermediaries in Kenya. He emphasized that the 2023 agreement with Vitol has ushered in a new supply framework and significantly reduced purchase costs.
“We are very pleased with the cooperation from the Kenyan government under President Ruto regarding this matter,” Museveni concluded.
