news 6 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Eastern Uganda Leads Nation in Adulterated Fuel Sales, UNBS Report Confirms
A recent assessment by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has identified Eastern Uganda as the region with the highest rate of adulterated fuel sales, posing significant risks to vehicles and the economy. Authorities are intensifying efforts to combat the issue. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/eastern-uganda-ranks-highest-in-adulterated-fuel-sales-unbs-assessment-reveals-5621358
Eastern Uganda has emerged as the hotspot for adulterated fuel in the country, according to a recent assessment by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). The region recorded a concerning 57 percent non-compliance rate with national fuel quality standards, significantly higher than other monitored areas. Northern Uganda, in contrast, showed the best compliance.
To address this malpractice, UNBS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, organized a sensitization workshop in Jinja. The event gathered local officials, police, fuel dealers, and consumer advocates to discuss strategies against the widespread issue. UNBS Deputy Executive Director Daniel Richard Nangalama labeled the adulteration as “economic sabotage,” highlighting its detrimental effects on vehicle engines, transport businesses, and household incomes.
Nangalama suggested that Eastern Uganda’s high non-compliance rate is partly due to its proximity to international borders, which facilitates the illicit mixing of fuels like kerosene into petrol. While some dealers may be unaware, others deliberately tamper with fuel to increase profits. UNBS has deployed mobile fuel-testing labs, but dealers employ sophisticated tactics, such as coordinated warnings to evade inspections.
The Ministry of Energy confirmed that cross-border trade and smuggling contribute to the problem, and stricter regulations are being implemented. Fuel dealers cited high operational costs and slim profit margins as major drivers for non-compliance. They appealed for leniency on penalties to help struggling businesses. Concerns were also raised about roadside fuel sales contributing to informal and potentially adulterated distribution channels.