Latest news with #Nankabirwa
Business Insider
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Uganda to begin blending ethanol with petrol to boost quality
Starting January next year, Uganda will require all fuel distributors to blend locally produced ethanol into the petrol sold across the country. Uganda will require fuel dealers to blend ethanol into petrol starting next year. This aims to reduce the country's $2 billion annual petroleum import bill and promote cleaner energy. The blending process will begin with a 5% ethanol mix, with plans to increase to 20%. Starting January next year, Uganda will require all fuel distributors to blend locally produced ethanol into the petrol sold across the country. The development was announced by Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, who revealed that the blending process will be spearheaded by the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC). The move is aimed at reducing the country's $2 billion annual petroleum import bill and promoting cleaner energy alternatives, according to Reuters. "This initiative is not just about improving fuel quality; it's a significant step towards environmental protection and reducing the overall cost of fuel for Ugandans," said Nankabirwa. Under the new policy, fuel dealers must initially blend 5% ethanol into petrol, with plans to gradually increase the proportion to 20%, depending on local supply capacity. Fuel blending involves combining conventional fossil fuels, such as petrol or diesel, with renewable additives like ethanol or biodiesel. Cleaner energy Ethanol, a biofuel primarily derived from molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, is one of the most commonly used blending agents. It is considered a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels and plays a key role in supporting the government's emissions-reduction goals. The policy aligns with Uganda's broader energy strategy. In 2023, the country awarded exclusive petroleum supply rights to a subsidiary of global energy giant Vitol, centralizing fuel imports. Although Uganda is currently reliant on imported refined petroleum products, the landlocked East African nation is preparing to begin commercial crude oil production next year, with plans to export via a pipeline to the Indian Ocean port in Tanzania. In a major step toward developing its energy sector, a UAE-backed firm secured a contract in March to build Uganda's first crude oil refinery, a 60,000-barrel-per-day (BPD) facility.
Barnama
23-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
UGANDA SEEKS MALAYSIAN INVESTMENTS IN OIL, GAS AND MINERAL SECTORS
BUSINESS Uganda's Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, speaks at a press conference following the official opening of the Uganda Pearl of Africa Business Forum & Expo 2025, held at the Renaissance Hotel today. By Naveen Prabu Kuppusamy KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- Uganda is seeking Malaysian investments in its energy and mineral sectors, with key opportunities in oil refining, critical minerals, and clean energy infrastructure, said its Energy and Mineral Development Minister Ruth Nankabirwa. Nankabirwa said her country has vast resource potential and that her government is prepared to support foreign investors through a clear legal framework. "You will not be left to deal with landowners alone, as the state steps in — the minerals belong to the government, even if the land is privately owned," she said at the Uganda: The Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo 2025 here today. She said commercial oil was discovered in 2006, and two development areas are progressing well. "One area at Lake Albert is expected to generate 40,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The second, located towards Northern Uganda, Tilenga, is expected to produce 190,000 barrels per day," she said. She also pointed out the country's rare earth elements, gold, iron ore and copper reserves, adding that Ugandan law prohibits the export of raw minerals without local value addition. 'We don't allow minerals to be exported without value added. We want to industrialise at home. That's why we are inviting investors who are ready to process and partner with us locally,' she said. Nankabirwa noted that Malaysia's experience in palm oil, downstream industries, and solar energy has positioned it as a strategic partner.
Barnama
23-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Uganda Showcases Investment Potential At Business Forum & Expo
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 -- In a bid to position itself as a strategic investment destination in East Africa, Uganda has rolled out the red carpet for Malaysian investors at the Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo 2025. Uganda's Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, said the nation is keen to leverage Malaysia's renowned expertise in mineral extraction, oil and gas development, and palm oil production. 'We are here with a delegation to secure opportunities to work together with the people of Malaysia. bootstrap slideshow 'We want to share what Uganda can offer in terms of natural resources, and we hope to build lasting partnerships in the energy and mineral sectors,' she said during a press conference on Wednesday. The two-day forum, which began on Wednesday, was officiated by Uganda's Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija. Also present were Nankabirwa and the Minister of State for Animal Industry, Lt. Col (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama. The ministers are also scheduled to hold bilateral discussions and meetings with local technocrats during the business forum. On tourism, Nankabirwa emphasised the importance of strengthening the sector and fostering people-to-people relations between Uganda and Malaysia. She encouraged Malaysians to discover Uganda as a vibrant and diverse travel destination, highlighting the country's rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and wildlife. Uganda's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Dr Betty Oyella Bigombe, highlighted that the forum is the first of its kind to be hosted in Malaysia by an East African country, reflecting Uganda's commitment to deepening economic partnerships across Asia.
