Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has clarified his remarks on government-to-government oil procurement reforms, stating that the late former MP Cyrus Jirongo was the one who informed him about the involvement of middlemen in the process. In a statement shared on his X page on September 20, 2026, Museveni said he was unaware of Jirongo’s death until after crediting him for exposing these intermediaries.
The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions about transparency in fuel imports. Museveni emphasized that Jirongo played a key role in alerting him to the issue, which led to reforms aimed at reducing corruption. His comments follow recent exchanges with Kenyan President William Ruto, who defended his country’s fuel deal model and challenged critics to compare landed fuel costs.
The controversy highlights tensions between Uganda and Kenya over fuel procurement practices. Ruto had previously raised concerns about a fuel scam, suggesting Kenya’s approach was more transparent. Museveni’s admission about Jirongo’s role adds new context to the debate, though details about the exact nature of the reforms remain unclear.
The situation underscores the complexities of regional energy policies and the challenges of ensuring accountability in cross-border trade. As both leaders continue to engage on the issue, the focus remains on improving transparency and reducing corruption in fuel imports.
