Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has accused Kenyan intermediaries of interfering in the country's fuel procurement process, alleging fraudulent practices in a government-to-government (G-to-G) deal. In a recent statement shared on his X page, Museveni clarified that he was informed about the involvement of middlemen by the late former Mp Cyrus Jirongo, who had raised concerns over the procurement of petroleum products. This revelation has reignited discussions about the transparency and integrity of cross-border trade agreements between Uganda and Kenya.
Museveni stated that despite initial warnings, Uganda eventually modified its fuel procurement model in 2023 by partnering with Vitol, a global petroleum company. This shift was intended to reduce the influence of middlemen and ensure more direct and secure supply chains. However, the allegations have led to renewed scrutiny of the role of Kenyan brokers in the region's energy trade, with some Kenyan media reporting that the issue remains a point of contention between the two nations.
The controversy highlights ongoing challenges in managing cross-border economic relations, particularly in sectors like energy. While Museveni's claims are based on internal assessments, the situation underscores the need for clearer frameworks to prevent manipulation in international trade agreements. The matter is expected to remain a topic of diplomatic dialogue in the coming months.
