The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has clarified the discrepancy in diesel consignment destined for Uganda, citing higher local demand by Ugandan Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) than initially agreed upon with Kenyan authorities.As Uganda’s first direct oil import reached Mombasa, Kenyan authorities slapped a shs145bn port fee on the oil to the shock of everyone.However, in a statement UNOC says the importation of petroleum products through Kenya is managed and coordinated by the Supply Planning and Vessel Scheduling Committees under the leadership of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of Kenya.“The committees meet every month to plan for and schedule the petroleum products imports through the Mombasa port to optimize the utilization of the constrained capacity of the Kenya pipeline system to ensure that the region, using the Kenyan route, is always well supplied and that there is a limitation on delays of vessels to discharge the imported products and also that the Kenya pipeline system is not clogged with product.”UNOC said at the supply planning meeting of May, 22, 2024 held in Nairobi, UNOC was allocated to import 65,000MT of Diesel (AGO) to be received into the KPC system in Mombasa with a delivery date range of July 2 and 4, 2024.However, due to higher demand from Ugandan OMCs, UNOC was allowed to discharge 80,000 Metric Tonnes of Diesel at the Mombasa Port on July 5, 2024, with 65,000MT allocated to Ugandan OMCs and the remaining 15,000MT to be availed in August 2024.“The government of Uganda and the Government of Kenya reached an understanding to prioritize the G-2-G transit portion for delivery to Uganda within July 2024, and for UNOC to first avail 65,000 Metric Tonnes to the Ugandan Oil Marketing Companies,” UNOC explained.UNOC said subsequently, they communicated to the Ugandan Oil Marketing Companies that the earlier allocated monthly demand of 80,000 Metric Tonnes will be split and they will only access from UNOC 65,000MT and a portion from the government to government delivery to meet the July demand.“This is as per the vessels that had been planned under the government to Government supply arrangements for June 2024 but spilled into carly July 2024 (M/T IXORA carrying 85,000MT of Diesel).“Going forward, the petroleum products importation and supply destined for Uganda shall be done by UNOC as per the Petroleum Supply Act, 2003, as amended in November 2023. The UNOC must import the entire demand for the country otherwise there will be a shortfall in supply. We give our assurances to the Public that UNOC together with its partner Vitol Bahrain prudently conducts business and are committed to ensuring the security of the supply of petroleum products into Uganda.”https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/unoc-clears-air-on-mombasa-oil-import-impasse/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum