By Our Staff Reporter
TORORO
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives has today, Friday, November 6, 2026 commissioned Bukona Fuel Blending Ltd in Malaba, Tororo District.
Hon. Sanjay Tanna highlighted the facility’s contribution to import substitution, agro-industrialisation and the development of clean energy solutions in Uganda.
The Minister described the investment as a significant milestone in Uganda’s industrial development, noting that fuel blending offers three major benefits: reducing dependence on imported petroleum products, creating value for locally produced agricultural commodities and promoting cleaner energy alternatives.
Hon. Tanna revealed that fuel blending saves Uganda an estimated US$250 million in import costs while creating a ready market for locally sourced cassava and maize. He particularly highlighted the benefits to farmers and communities in the Lango and Acholi sub-regions, where agricultural produce that previously went to waste can now be channelled into industrial production.
“Whatever is coming from here is scientifically proven, robust and improved. This is the way forward,” Hon. Tanna said, pointing to India’s experience with 20 per cent ethanol blending as an example Uganda can learn from in advancing its own fuel blending programme.
Bukona Fuel Blending Ltd has an estimated production capacity of 100,000 litres per day and has blended more than 460 million litres of fuel. Its operations contribute to a national petroleum market that consumes approximately 2.5 billion litres annually.
The Minister also commended the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) for its equity participation and support towards the rejuvenation of the enterprise. He observed that the investment demonstrates the importance of patient capital in rebuilding businesses, strengthening domestic investment and supporting strategic industries.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with UDC to advance value addition, industrial growth and investment in other strategic sectors of the economy.
Hon. Tanna further challenged Bukona’s management to sustain high standards of operational efficiency, product quality and innovation to ensure the facility remains competitive and delivers lasting benefits to the country.
In a related development, the Minister welcomed the introduction of ethanol-powered cooking stoves, describing them as an important step towards expanding access to cleaner cooking technologies.
He noted that the adoption of ethanol cooking solutions could help reduce reliance on charcoal and firewood, supporting Government efforts to curb deforestation and promote environmental conservation.
The commissioning of Bukona Fuel Blending Ltd underscores the importance of strengthening local industrial capacity, linking agriculture to manufacturing and developing alternative energy solutions as Uganda pursues economic transformation, job creation and reduced dependence on imports.
