MALABA: The Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Sanjay Tanna, commissioned Bukona Fuel Blending Ltd in Malaba, Tororo District, commending its contribution to import substitution, agro-industrialisation and clean energy development.

The Minister highlighted three key benefits of the investment: import substitution, value addition to agricultural produce and promotion of clean energy solutions.

“Whatever is coming from here is scientifically proven, robust and improved. This is the way forward,” Hon. Tanna said, citing India’s 20 per cent ethanol blending experience as an example for Uganda.

Bukona has a production capacity of approximately 100,000 litres daily and has blended over 460 million litres of fuel, contributing to a petroleum sector that consumes approximately 2.5 billion litres annually.

Hon. Tanna commended the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) for its equity participation and enterprise rejuvenation support, describing the investment as evidence that patient capital can develop enterprises and strengthen local investment.

He pledged continued Ministry support to Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) in advancing value addition and other strategic sectors, while urging Bukona’s management to maintain high standards of efficiency and product quality.

The Minister also welcomed the introduction of ethanol-powered cooking stoves, noting their potential to provide cleaner cooking alternatives as Government pursues measures to curb deforestation associated with charcoal production.

He noted that fuel blending saves Uganda an estimated US$250 million in import costs while creating a market for locally sourced cassava and maize, particularly benefiting communities in the Lango and Acholi sub-regions where agricultural produce previously went to waste.