By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
Ugandan oil marketing companies under their umbrella Organization – Sustainable Energies and Petroleum Association of Uganda (SEPA Uganda), have vehemently dismissed accusations by government that Oil Companies are hoarding fuel with intent to manipulate fuel prices as pump prices continue to spike across the country.
A statement issued on Sunday April 26, 2026 by SEPA Uganda – an umbrella body for Oil marketing companies in Uganda, states that allegations of fuel hoarding, price inflation, and cross-border smuggling by the state are unfounded.
“The downstream petroleum sector in Uganda operates within robust compliance frameworks, supported by internal controls and continuous monitoring to promote transparency and accountability. So, member companies are required to operate under strict regulatory oversight and to comply with all applicable laws, standards, and government directives” the statement states.
SEPA also revealed that Uganda’s fuel supply is centrally coordinated by the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), directing all inquiries about the pump prices be directed to the government agency.
“Current pricing pressures, supply constraints, and isolated fuel shortages at some service stations are a direct result of disruptions in global oil markets driven by ongoing conflict in the Middle East and not deliberate actions by oil marketing companies” the statement gives clarity.
The statement concludes: “SEPA Uganda reiterates its members’ firm commitment to ethical conduct, fair pricing, and uninterrupted service delivery. We remain focused on ensuring that fuel supply continues to support essential services, businesses, and communities across Uganda”
It should be recalled that a few weeks ago, the Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, accused oil companies of taking advantage of the situation in the Middle East to hike fuel prices across the country.
However, recently several fuel stations have run dry, with reports of rationing and hiking of fuel for those who have it in several parts of the country.
