French Ambassador to Uganda Virginie Leroy has called for greater investment in cleaner transport, warning that the level of pollution in Kampala is a major concern.
Leroy made the remarks on Monday during the opening of a new RUBiS Energy Uganda fuel station in Kulambiro, Kampala, where the company also launched its UltraTech advanced fuel products and unveiled 10 new stations across the country.
“The level of pollution in Kampala is so huge. We need to invest in green transport, in less emissive and cleaner transport,” Leroy said.
She said Uganda needs to invest in cleaner forms of transport and fuel as the country seeks to address emissions from its growing transport sector.
“As an ambassador, as a woman, as a human, we all need to be concerned about the emission,” Leroy said.
Leroy welcomed RUBiS’ investment in fuel products that are designed to improve vehicle efficiency and reduce emissions, saying the private sector has a role to play in Uganda’s energy transition.
William Fillet, Managing Director of RUBiS Energy Uganda, said the company’s UltraTech fuel was introduced partly in response to Kampala’s pollution challenges.
“It’s also a response to the Kampala pollution with better condition for less emissions,” Fillet said.
He said UltraTech contains a specialised additive package designed to clean deposits inside vehicle engines as they operate, with the aim of improving engine performance and fuel mileage.
Fillet said the product is being offered at the same price as the company’s regular fuel, allowing motorists to access the upgraded product without paying more.
“The true cost of fuel encompasses performance, efficiency, mileage and long-term value,” he said.
According to Fillet, the company’s expansion is aimed at making its products and services more accessible to motorists and communities across the country.
RUBiS has opened 10 new stations as part of its continued expansion, while almost its entire existing network has been rebranded to the RUBiS identity. Fillet said eight additional stations are currently in the pipeline for rebranding.
He said the company now has more than 30 RUBiS Enjoy shops, with five additional outlets under construction, as it seeks to turn its service stations into broader convenience centres rather than places where motorists only refuel.
The company is also expanding specialised services for motorcycle users, with Fillet saying more than 1.2 million people depend on boda bodas for their livelihoods.
He said three dedicated Castrol boda service points have already been opened, with 25 more under development.
Leroy also called for increased adoption of electric mobility in Kampala, saying cleaner transport would be important in reducing emissions.
“I wish more electric boda could be in Kampala as well,” she said.
The ambassador said France remains committed to supporting Uganda’s energy transition through cooperation with the government and private sector.
She cited French support in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, as well as investments by French companies in renewable energy and electric mobility.
“Without energy, there is no business. Without energy, there is no jobs creation. There is no value addition,” Leroy said.
She, however, said Uganda’s transition to cleaner energy would require continued investment while recognising the country’s dependence on petroleum products.
“You know, we cannot do without oil or without fuel, but we want to reduce the cost,” she said.
Leroy said the French Week scheduled for September 22 and 23 will focus on decarbonisation, bringing together government and business representatives to discuss Uganda’s transition towards cleaner energy.
She also urged companies to ensure that business expansion is accompanied by quality, safety and investment in people.
“Growth must go hand to hand with quality, because this is where you build trust in your brand and the good relation with your customers,” she said.
