President William Ruto of Kenya defended his government-to-government fuel deal, asserting it is more effective than Uganda’s, following criticism from President Yoweri Museveni. Ruto accused Uganda of allowing middlemen to interfere with fuel procurement, claiming Kenya’s system ensures direct delivery from suppliers to the country.
Museveni clarified in a statement that he was informed about middlemen in Uganda’s fuel procurement by the late former minister Cyrus Jirongo. He emphasized that he was not aware of the issue until Jirongo brought it to his attention. The exchange highlights growing tensions between the two East African leaders over fuel pricing and distribution practices.
Ruto challenged critics to compare landed fuel costs, suggesting Kenya’s model reduces corruption and ensures better prices for consumers. Museveni’s clarification comes amid ongoing debates about transparency in fuel imports, with both leaders citing different sources for their claims.
The dispute underscores broader concerns about governance and economic management in the region, with both nations seeking to improve fuel security and reduce reliance on intermediaries.
