Uganda is calling for a speedy agreement with Kenya to kick off the long-awaited Eldoret-Kampala-Kigali oil pipeline project, aiming to improve the movement of refined fuel across the region.

Top Ugandan officials want a formal Memorandum of Understanding and a firm implementation agreement signed to fast-track construction of the pipeline, which is seen as key to easing petroleum logistics between the three countries.

The push comes at a time when recent investments in lake transport are already showing strong results. Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and Mahathi Infra Uganda Ltd have expanded oil handling capacity on Lake Victoria with upgraded jetties in Kisumu and Entebbe. These developments have enabled increased fuel shipments via the lake, with petroleum products first pumped to Kisumu from Mombasa and then ferried across the water.

The improved infrastructure is helping reduce dependence on road transport, cutting both time and cost in moving fuel to landlocked countries like Uganda and Rwanda.

As regional energy demand continues to grow, the proposed pipeline and lake transport upgrades are seen as complementary efforts to boost efficiency and integration across East Africa’s fuel supply chain.