KAMPALA — Vivo Energy Uganda, the distributor and marketer of Shell fuels, lubricants and LPG in Uganda, has hosted leaders from the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF) on a guided tour of its Kampala Depot and Tank Farm to showcase the systems used to ensure fuel quality and reliability before products reach the market.
The engagement brought together taxi industry leaders, representatives from the boda boda community, media professionals and digital content creators. The visit formed part of the company’s efforts to enhance transparency around its operations and demonstrate the processes that support the performance standards associated with Shell products.
Participants toured two fuel depots, the LPG filling plant and the product quality laboratory, where they observed how fuels and lubricants are received, tested, stored and dispatched before distribution across the country. At the facility, every batch of product undergoes sampling and laboratory testing as part of a multi-stage quality assurance process before it is cleared for delivery.
According to Joanita Mukasa Menya, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Uganda, the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to openness and to strengthening confidence in the fuel supply chain.
“Trust in energy products is built through consistency and transparency. By hosting stakeholders at our operations, we are demonstrating the systems, technology and expertise that ensure Shell fuels, lubricants and LPG meet the highest standards before reaching our customers,” she said.
Menya also noted that the company’s Kampala Tank Farm hosts the first ISO/IEC 17025 accredited fuel quality laboratory of its kind in Uganda, which applies internationally recognised standards, tools and methodologies in testing and calibration of petroleum products.
She said the laboratory plays a critical role in verifying product integrity and ensuring compliance with both international specifications and national regulatory requirements.
The Managing Director added that Shell fuels are formulated using advanced additive technology designed to clean and protect engines while improving combustion efficiency and maintaining engine responsiveness. She said high-performance Shell lubricants are also designed to reduce friction and withstand demanding operating conditions.
“For commercial transport operators, better engine protection and improved fuel performance translate directly into lower operating costs, fewer service interruptions and more productive hours on the road,” Menya noted.
Rashid Ssekindi, Chairman of the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators, welcomed the engagement and said reliable fuel and lubricants are essential to the efficiency of passenger transport operations.
“We appreciate the opportunity to see the systems and processes that ensure fuel quality before it reaches the market,” Ssekindi said. “For taxi operators whose livelihoods depend on vehicle performance, reliable fuel helps reduce maintenance costs, improve efficiency and keep vehicles on the road serving passengers.”
Safety procedures were also highlighted during the visit, with stakeholders taken through the company’s Health, Safety, Security and Environmental (HSSE) protocols governing product handling, storage and dispatch at the depot and LPG filling facilities.
Officials said the engagement reflects Vivo Energy Uganda’s continued investment in infrastructure, operational technology and workforce skills to support Uganda’s growing energy demand while maintaining safe, reliable and high-quality fuel supply across the country.