Vivo Energy Uganda, the company that markets and distributes Shell-branded fuels and lubricants, has officially commissioned custom-engineered, on-site bulk fuel installations at two of Uganda’s major manufacturing enterprises: electric vehicle pioneer Kiira Motors Corporation in Jinja and cement manufacturer West International Holding (WIH) Cement.

The new high-capacity bulk fuel storage and automated dispensing hubs are designed to give both heavy manufacturers direct, uninterrupted access to high-quality Shell fuels and lubricants right at their operational bases. Featuring digital fuel management systems, automated volume tracking, and strict spill-containment safety protocols, the installations eliminate operational downtime, safeguard against fuel loss, and ensure maximum machinery uptime.

The investment forms part of Vivo Energy’s commercial customer proposition, “Powering Your Next Move”, designed to help business partners save time, control operating costs, and maintain seamless productivity.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Joanita Mukasa Menya, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Uganda, emphasised the strategic role of tailored energy solutions in industrialisation: “Our partnership with WIH Cement and Kiira Motors goes far beyond supplying fuel. By installing dedicated, automated fuel facilities right at their production facilities, we are removing logistical friction, protecting their equipment, and helping them maintain continuous production. Under our “Powering Your Next Move” promise, we provide commercial customers with smart energy infrastructure so they can focus on what they do best: driving Uganda’s industrial transformation.”

Highlighting the regional commercial perspective, Aminata Sarr, Group Head of Commercial (B2B) Business at Vivo Energy, noted: “Across Africa, commercial enterprises require energy partners who offer tailored solutions that drive operational efficiency and cost predictability. These customised bulk installations at WIH Cement and Kiira Motors exemplify how Vivo Energy leverages infrastructure, smart monitoring, and supply chain security to power the ambition of key industries across our markets.”

Eng. Paul Isaac Musasizi, Chief Executive Officer of Kiira Motors Corporation, highlighted the operational impact on vehicle manufacturing: “As we scale up commercial production of our Kayoola buses at the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja, having guaranteed, high-quality fuel on-site is essential. This bulk facility ensures our plant machinery, fleet testing, and logistics run without interruption.”

Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) is a state-owned automotive enterprise driving Uganda’s green mobility and industrial transition. Born out of a Makerere University innovation project, KMC developed Kiira EV, which is Africa’s first electric vehicle, Kayoola Solar Bus, and today manufactures mass-transit electric and diesel buses such as the Kayoola EVS at its Jinja plant.

Ma Chao, Chief Executive Officer of West International Holding (WIH) Cement Uganda, stated: “In heavy manufacturing, equipment downtime directly affects market supply and costs. Vivo Energy’s on-site fuel solution guarantees that our heavy machinery and transport operations run continuously with zero energy bottlenecks, supporting our long-term production targets in Uganda.”

West International Holding Cement (WIH), a subsidiary of West China Cement, is a building materials manufacturer producing high-grade industrial and commercial cement under the flagship Yaobao brand. WIH produces high-strength cement, clinker, and construction materials, backed by its multi-million-dollar integrated clinker and cement manufacturing facility in Moroto District.

Through its expanding commercial footprint, Vivo Energy Uganda continues to partner with enterprises across construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and transport. The company delivers high-performance Shell fuels, premium lubricants, custom-built energy storage systems, and advanced commercial tracking through Vivo Energy Continuous Equipment Monitoring (VE-CEM), Vivo Energy’s proprietary fuel tracking and telemetry technology designed to optimise consumption, safeguard against fuel loss, and streamline fleet management.