The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) is mandated by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) to operate and manage the Jinja Storage Terminal (JST). This mandate aims to maximize the use of government-owned petroleum infrastructure, thereby strengthening Uganda’s energy security. By managing the JST, UNOC is expected to:
- Optimize infrastructure utilization: Ensure efficient use of the terminal’s storage capacity.
- Enhance energy security: Contribute to the country’s petroleum energy security by managing strategic reserves.
At the time of the government’s handover of the terminal to UNOC, the company sought partnerships while continuing to build the technical and operational capacity required to manage a facility of such strategic importance. Consequently, UNOC managed and operated JST through a joint venture partnership with OPL from May 2017 until December 2022, when UNOC took over full operatorship.
Jinja Storage Terminal is one of Uganda’s few fuel storage facilities and plays a vital role in bolstering the country’s strategic fuel reserves and facilitating the distribution of petroleum products across the country. Located in Jinja, a regional commercial hub along the Northern Corridor, JST is strategically positioned to serve both local and transit fuel markets.
Since UNOC assumed full operatorship, most of the facility’s infrastructure and equipment have been upgraded. Stocking levels and throughput have significantly increased. The terminal can now receive and load out 600,000 litres of product per day (equivalent to 30 trucks), greatly contributing to cushioning supply shortages and stabilising fuel prices. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are now collecting products from JST during emergencies, particularly when supply challenges arise in Kenya.
JST has been, and continues to be, a key facility in supporting the government’s policy of directly importing petroleum products. This policy has contributed to stabilising fuel prices across the country. Given its importance, UNOC is undertaking upgrades to the supporting infrastructure, which will significantly enhance JST’s capacity. Upon completion of these upgrades, JST will serve as a key access point for supplying products to Central and Eastern Uganda.
In collaboration with the Jinja City Council (JCC), UNOC is upgrading a section of Mutibwa Road. Additionally, UNOC has commenced feasibility studies for the expansion of tank farm capacities, loading and offloading facilities, and the construction of a connecting pipeline and jetty to facilitate product receipt via Lake Victoria.
UNOC extends its appreciation to the government and local authorities, particularly the JCC Security Committee, for their continued support. UNOC calls upon all stakeholders to maintain this support as the company advances this national initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s fuel stock security.
As UNOC scales up its operations, the company remains committed to adopting international best practices in safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance. It also plans to boost JST’s operational capacity through infrastructure improvements, enhanced turnaround times, and strategic partnerships with oil marketing companies. The full takeover of JST by UNOC represents more than a managerial transition it symbolises Uganda’s growing capacity to own and manage its strategic petroleum infrastructure, strengthening national resilience and autonomy in a sector critical to development.
UNOC is dedicated to operating JST professionally and efficiently, with the goal of ensuring national energy security and delivering value to all Ugandans.
