Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has expressed his condolences following the death of former Kenyan politician Cyrus Jirongo, revealing that he had only recently learnt of his passing.
In a statement on Monday, September 21, Museveni said Jirongo died in a road accident in December, adding that he had not previously been informed of the incident.
Museveni described the late politician as a patriotic Kenyan who served his country with dedication, saying his death was a loss to the nation.
He extended his condolences to Jirongo’s family, relatives, friends and the people of Kenya, wishing the deceased eternal rest.
The Ugandan leader’s statement comes a day after he disclosed that Jirongo had informed him in 2019 that Uganda was importing petroleum products through intermediaries in Kenya.
Museveni said he had been unaware of the arrangement until Jirongo, whom he identified as a Kenyan senator, brought it to his attention.
He said he subsequently instructed then Energy Minister Irene Muloni to address the matter.
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However, Museveni noted that the situation remained unchanged until August 2023, when Uganda entered into a fuel supply agreement with global energy company Vitol.
According to the Ugandan President, the arrangement had reduced the cost of petroleum products, with diesel prices falling from USD 118 to USD 83 per metric ton, while petrol prices dropped from USD 97.50 to USD 61.50.
He added that the price of aviation fuel had declined from USD 114.25 to USD 79.25 per metric ton.
Museveni also thanked President William Ruto for supporting Uganda’s new fuel importation arrangement, saying the Kenyan leader had intervened against opposition from some actors in Kenya.
He further said the Kenyan government had allowed Uganda to transport petroleum products through the Kenya Pipeline and acquire a 20.15 per cent stake in the company.
