Gelp acquires Tusky's Uganda

By Vision Reporter

GELP Service Stations Limited has finalised a transaction to purchase Tusky’s Uganda and use the Tusky’s Brand across its twelve petrol stations countrywide, beginning with five stations in Kampala.

Gelp is owned by GKK Group of Companies, whose chairman, flamboyant businessman Godfrey Kirumira, confirmed the deal on Tuesday.

Tusky’s Supermarkets, originally registered in Kenya, is embroiled in a court wrangle over the brand, which was registered separately in Uganda by SDI Limited. 

Tusky’s Supermarkets is operating in Uganda under the company name Tusker Mattresses Uganda Limited, and the brand name “Time To Go Tusky’s Your Friendly Supermarket”.

SDI Limited sued Tusker Mattresses Uganda Limited for brand infringement in 2010 after the Kenyan Supermarket chain purchased Good Price Supermarkets and began operating in Uganda as ‘Tusky’s’. SDI Limited registered Tusky’s Uganda Limited and the brand name Tusky’s in Uganda in 2008.

Kirumira, however, said his transaction would not be affected by the court wrangle.

“We have signed the contracts and we will begin with the Nakulabye station. We are aware of the court case but that is not our business. 

“The information we have is that this brand belongs to SDI Limited, and we have signed with them. We believe this is going to be a good relationship,” Kirumira said.

SDI representative Sam Atubet declined to discuss the transaction, pleading that the main case involving the lawsuit was still being heard.

Gelp Service Stations run five stations in Kampala, at Nakulabye, Natete, Kisenyi, Queen’s Way and Katwe. Kirumira said the company has 12 stations countrywide.

“There was a suggestion that we change the name of the petrol stations from Gelp to Tusky’s, but we are still discussing that. Many people might be interested in buying their fuel from Tusky’s in future, but for now we will only change the name and the branding of the shops at the petrol stations,” Kirumira said.

Attempts to get a comment from Tusky’s country manager, Hassan Abdi Ali, were futile.