The government has unveiled new digital solutions to curb fuel stations that evade regulatory penalties by clandestinely transferring ownership.
The initiative, led by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), aims to enhance compliance in the petroleum sector.
The announcement was made during a Fuel Marking and Quality Monitoring awareness workshop for local leaders in the Greater Masaka region.
The workshop is part of ongoing efforts by UNBS and MEMD to promote fuel quality and consumer protection across the country.
According to Mr. Peter Kitimbo, Fuel Marking and Quality Monitoring Supervisor at UNBS, the new technology involves assigning each fuel station a sticker with a unique identifier and GPS coordinates.
This will enable the authorities to track ownership and ensure accountability for non-compliance, even after a change in proprietorship.
“Some fuel stations transfer ownership when they reach the final stage of penalisation, which involves revocation of their operating license. The new system ensures that new owners will inherit any outstanding penalties,” Kitimbo explained.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of single fuel pumps, particularly in remote areas where regulation is lax.
Stakeholders at the workshop urged the government to extend oversight to these installations, citing potential risks to fuel quality and public safety.
“We have many single pumps in the villages, especially off the main roads, which are not held to the same standards as licensed retail stations. Who regulates them?” asked Tonny Odek, a participant at the workshop.
In response, Rev. Justaf Frank Tukwasibwe, the Commissioner for Petroleum Supply at MEMD, acknowledged the regulatory gap and suggested that legal reforms could be introduced to address the issue.
“The law currently covers only fuel filling and service stations. While oil companies are yet to penetrate deep rural areas, it’s time for our legislators to critically consider drafting laws that govern single pump operations,” Tukwasibwe said.
Consumers were urged to buy fuel only from stations bearing UNBS verification stickers, which signify that the fuel has been tested and meets national quality standards.
The public was also encouraged to report any cases of cheating or substandard fuel through UNBS toll-free lines or WhatsApp.
The digital tracking initiative is part of the broader Fuel Marking and Quality Monitoring Program, which is designed to ensure the integrity of petroleum products throughout Uganda’s supply chain.
Ahead of the Masaka workshop, the campaign had already covered several towns including Buwama, Lukaya, Matete, Sembabule, Rushere, Lyantonde, and Masaka.
UNBS reiterated its commitment to protecting public health, safety, and the environment by eliminating substandard and harmful petroleum products from the market.