Vivo Energy Uganda commissions LPG filling plant in Mbale to expand access

MBALE - Vivo Energy Uganda has commissioned a new Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) filling and storage plant in Mbale City, marking a key step in expanding access to clean and reliable energy solutions in Eastern Uganda.

The facility, commissioned by Harriet Kakayi, Deputy Mayor of Mbale City, alongside Hans Paulsen, Executive Vice President (East), at Vivo Energy Group and Joanita Mukasa Menya, the Managing Director reaffirmed Vivo Energy Uganda’s long-term commitment to supporting Uganda’s clean energy transition through investments that enhance access, safety, and reliability of cleaner cooking fuels.

According to Kakayi, the investment aligns with the city’s development agenda of moving more residents to embracing usage of clean energy solutions.

“The launch of the facility is timely and strongly aligns with Mbale City’s vision for sustainable urban development. Expanding access to clean energy such as LPG is critical to protecting our environment, improving household welfare, and creating economic opportunities for our people,” she added.

Hans Paulsen, on the other hand, noted that the Mbale facility reflects a wider continental commitment to clean energy infrastructure.

“The commissioning of the Mbale LPG plant reflects Vivo Energy’s long-term commitment to building resilient energy infrastructure in Uganda. Expanding access to LPG is central to addressing energy poverty, reducing indoor air pollution, and supporting the country’s climate and development objectives. This facility is a critical step in bringing clean, safe, and affordable cooking solutions closer to communities in Eastern Uganda,” Paulsen stated.

The 15,000 metric tonnes Mbale LPG plant will operate as the main filling, storage, and distribution hub for Shell Gas in Eastern Uganda, bringing LPG supply closer to customers and improving availability, affordability, and safety for households, businesses, and educational institutions.

Located at Vivo Energy Uganda’s Mbale depot, the plant will serve districts across Eastern Uganda, including refugee-hosting communities. It enhances the company’s national LPG infrastructure, supporting equitable access to clean cooking solutions.

The facility further contributes to national energy resilience and balanced regional development at a critical time.

As Uganda prepares for its first oil production from the Albertine Graben, anticipated to begin in July 2026, the Mbale plant positions LPG as an additional link in increasing consumer awareness, market readiness, and infrastructure for a modern and sustainable gas economy.