Presidents Ruto, Museveni Schedule Meeting to Address Fuel Import Dispute

President William Ruto intends to have a meeting with his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni to resolve the disagreement regarding fuel imports.

The conflict resulted in Kampala filing a lawsuit against Nairobi in the East African Court of Justice. East African Community and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza has verified that the two leaders have arranged a meeting to tactfully discuss the matter and mend any strained relations caused by Kenya's refusal to allow Uganda to use its pipeline for fuel transportation. Uganda had asked to use Kenya's pipeline to transport fuel from the port of Mombasa directly to Kampala, but Kenya turned down the request, citing concerns about its local oil marketing companies being adversely affected.

Malonza believes that the disagreement is not a major problem because each member state in the East African Community has the freedom to pursue its own trade interests through democratic means. The exact information about the crucial meeting, such as the date and location, has not been disclosed and the State House has not yet made President Ruto's schedule public. Additionally, Malonza reveals that Kenya frequently engages in communication with Uganda and other partner states in the EAC regarding trade issues because the Community aims to collaborate for the well-being and prosperity of the people in East Africa.

Malonza commends President Museveni for actively collaborating with Kenyan authorities to address trade concerns between the two nations. Malonza stresses the significance of Uganda as a crucial market for Kenya's oil, as it obtains 90 per cent of its oil from Kenya. Consequently, it is only reasonable for Uganda to possess a strong interest in the affairs of its primary trading ally. These remarks were delivered by Malonza during a speech by EAC Secretary-General Peter Mathuki, who urged member states to prioritize the peaceful resolution of conflicts and exhibit restraint while upholding the principles of the treaty, especially in terms of peaceful coexistence and maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries.