Uganda has placed an order for at least eight million liters of fuel as her eastern neighbor Kenya counts down to the August 09, 2022 presidential election, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has announced.
In about 26 days from today, Kenyans will go to the polls to pick President Uhuru Kenyatta’s successor. The race has attracted four candidates: Raila Amolo Odinga of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition, deputy president William Ruto of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, Prof George Wajackoyah of the Roots Party and David Mwaure Waihiga of the Agano Party.
Odinga, Kenya’s most prominent opposition leader and son to the country’s first vice president Jaramogi Ajuma Oginga Odinga, is Kenyatta’s preferred successor. The race is tight between Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) boss and Ruto of the UDA, with a recent Tifa poll putting the ODM supremo ahead of the incumbent deputy president.
Aware of the uncertainty that Kenyan elections comes with, Uganda has ordered millions of fuel ahead of the crucial poll. The revelation was made by Energy and Mineral Development Ministry Permanent Secretary Irene Pauline Batebe on July 13.
“Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has ordered for eight million litres of fuel using trade finance instruments with support from Ministry of Finance to support the industry effort to have sufficient stock in the country ahead of the Kenyan elections,” said PS Batebe as she appeared before the Government Assurance Committee to explain the high costs of fuel.
Batebe also attempted to explain why Uganda’s fuel prices are the highest in the region. She told the committee which was chaired by Joseph Ssewungu (Kalungu West – NUP): “Fuel prices in Uganda are higher than in other East African countries because of transport costs, but also the fact that Kenya and Tanzania give subsidies on the fuel.”
The PS further noted that since “Uganda operates a liberalized market where prices are determined by forces of demand and supply,” the ministry would ensure that supply of fuel is maintained so as to avoid a scenario where the country might run out of fuel.
Back to the Kenyan election, months ago, Museveni answered the question of who he supports to succeed Kenyatta, between Odinga and Ruto. (Read Story Here).
In May 2022, Museveni held talks with Odinga at State House Entebbe. (Read Story Here).
