Uganda: Unoc's Otoa Says Govt Prepared to Cushion Supply As Fuel Crisis Bites

27 April 2026
Nile Post (Kampala)
By Samuel Muhimba

Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) Chief Corporate Affairs official Otoa has said that Uganda is well prepared to manage the current fuel situation despite rising pump prices and reports of shortages in parts of the country.

Fuel prices have been going up in recent days, with petrol averaging between about Shs5,595 per litre and diesel at around Shs5,290, while in some areas prices have reportedly climbed to Shs 6,000.

The increase has been linked to global supply disruptions, especially tensions affecting oil routes in the Middle East.

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

Appearing on NBS Television's FaceOff, Otoa said Uganda's supply position remains stable compared to some neighbouring countries despite concerns.

"We are not going to run out of fuel like our neighbors. That's a clear distinction. We have our vessels lined up and coming in," Otoa said

He explained that Uganda changed its fuel sourcing model to widen supply options.

"Uganda, on the other hand, moved away from G2G and went global."

Otoa added that the country now works with international partners to secure fuel from different sources, including shipments coming in from India.

"Our mandate is clear. It's about two things. One is to make sure that there is fuel in the country at all times, and we have done that," he noted.

Despite the assurances, reports from several parts of the country indicate fuel shortages.

In Mbarara City, a number of fuel stations have closed, forcing motorists to queue for long hours at the few that are still open. Similar cases have been reported in Mbale and other towns.

There have also been concerns about some fuel dealers allegedly hoarding fuel and manipulating prices.

State Minister for Trade David Bahati told Parliament last week that government is monitoring the situation and will take action against those involved in distorting the market.

He said authorities can track fuel importers and buyers from UNOC and will follow up to ensure compliance and stable supply.

"The fuel is being brought in by UNOC, our government institution, and we know the list of people who buy from UNOC. So we know the people and at what price. So we are going to follow up to ensure that there is no price distortion in the market and also we have enough, to the extent possible, enough fuel stock," he said.

Read the original article on Nile Post.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2026 Nile Post. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.