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31st March , 2026 , Hits: 154
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), have successfully conducted a routine Fuel Marking and Quality Monitoring sensitization campaign across Eastern Uganda, aimed at promoting fuel quality, accurate measurement, and consumer protection in the petroleum sector.
Speaking during the engagements, the UNBS Deputy Executive Director in charge of Management and Financial services, Mr. Nangalama Daniel Richard Makayi cautioned fuel industry players against engaging in fuel adulteration, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility among all stakeholders.
“Players in the fuel sector need to understand their role and play their part. If every actor fulfils their responsibility, we will stamp out the fuel trade vices. The support of local authorities is also critical in eliminating illegal fuel trade within communities,” he noted.
“Let us engage, collaborate, and work together to eliminate fuel adulteration for the benefit of the fuel industry and Uganda’s economy,” he added.
The Manager of Legal Metrology at UNBS, Dr. Leatitiah Namubiru, revealed that the Bureau has received complaints regarding inaccurate fuel measurements at dispensing pumps. She reaffirmed UNBS’ mandate to ensure fairness in trade through regular verification of fuel measurement equipment.
“All equipment used in fuel trade is verified to promote fair trade. Fuel dispensers are checked twice a year to ensure that consumers are not cheated and that fuel stations also operate fairly,” she explained.
She also urged consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing fuel and report any suspected mal practice to UNBS.
The Supervisor of the Fuel Marking and Quality Monitoring Program, Mr. Peter Kitimbo, reported that several non-compliant fuel stations have been identified and penalized in accordance with the Petroleum Supply (Amendment) Act, 2023.
“Penalties for fuel adulteration include fines equivalent to 10% of the product value in the tank, with additional sanctions for repeat offenders, including suspension and eventual revocation of operating licenses. In cases involving fuel dumping or smuggling, offenders are referred to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for further penalties related to tax evasion.” Mr. Kitimbo said.
As part of the campaign, the Commissioner for the Petroleum Supply Department in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Reverend Justaf Frank Tukwasibwe, launched the government initiative of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) promotional project to supply LPG cylinders to residents in Soroti District at a subsidized cost to promote cleaner and safer energy alternatives.
“We thank the Government of Uganda for responding positively to the needs of the Wanainchi. Subsidizing LPG cylinders increases the adoption of LPG use as a cleaner and safer alternative to the traditional firewood and charcoal. These modern energy solutions reduce deforestation and improve indoor air quality, thus enhancing the quality of life.” Rev. Tukwasibwe said.
The Fuel Marking and Quality Monitoring Program, implemented by the Government through MEMD and UNBS, is designed to control and monitor the quality of petroleum products across the entire supply chain in Uganda, from importation to final sale. The Program has reduced fuel adulteration rates from over 30% in 2000 to less than 1% in 2025.
This time round, the campaign held in Eastern Uganda covered Namutumba, Mbale, Budaka, Bukedea, Serere, Soroti, and Katakwi districts, sensitizing the public through outdoor community meetings, radio talk shows, and stakeholder dialogues with local authorities.
UNBS and MEMD reaffirm their commitment to protecting consumers, ensuring fair trade practices, and maintaining the integrity of Uganda’s petroleum sector, and as such, the public is encouraged to report any dealers of substandard petroleum products and cheating tendencies by fuel stations, using Toll Free line 0800133133 / 0800233233 or WhatsApp line 0713227580.
About UNBS
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a Government Agency responsible for developing, promoting and enforcing of national standards in the protection of Public Health and Safety, and the Environment against harmful and sub-standard products.
For more information, please contact:
Sylvia Kirabo,
Principal Public Relations Officer,
Telephone: 256 417 333250 / 0703196903
Email: sylvia.kirabo@unbs.go.ug