Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has acknowledged a Kenyan senator for exposing middlemen in a controversial oil deal, according to recent disclosures. The senator, Cyrus Jirongo, was previously a member of parliament in Kenya and had raised concerns about irregularities in the bilateral agreement between Uganda and Kenya. Museveni, in a statement, praised Kenya's President William Ruto for securing a new arrangement and a 20.15% stake in Uganda's pipeline.
Jirongo's role in highlighting the involvement of middlemen in the fuel procurement process was reportedly critical in prompting a change in Uganda's approach. The country eventually shifted its fuel procurement model in 2023 by partnering with Vitol, a global petroleum company. Museveni's acknowledgment of Jirongo's efforts underscores the cross-border implications of the deal and the political dynamics involved.
Despite the recognition, Jirongo's death was only recently acknowledged by Museveni, who expressed his lack of awareness of the senator's passing. The situation highlights the complex interplay between political leadership and economic agreements in the East African region.
