Reporter.Obbo Yusuf
On Sunday, December 1, 2024, Vintage Gold Oils officially entered Uganda’s fuel market with the opening of its first service station in Iganga District, located at Walugogo along the Eastern Route. The station’s launch was graced by Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, the State Minister for Minerals and Energy Development, who praised the initiative as a significant boost to the country’s economy and efforts to combat unemployment.
The station, the first of many planned across the country, is a project of Hajji Balikowa Musa, a local investor committed to providing affordable, high-quality petroleum products to Ugandan motorists. During the ceremony, Hajji Balikowa Musa shared his vision for the company, emphasizing that Vintage Gold Oils aims to offer a wide range of petroleum services and products at competitive prices.
“We are proud to open Vintage Gold Oils along the Eastern Route, providing reliable and affordable fuel for every motorist. Our fuel is sourced from trusted suppliers, ensuring quality and dependability,” said Hajji Balikowa. “Our goal is to bring petroleum services closer to the people, at better prices.”
The launch event saw a large turnout, with many motorists taking advantage of the discounted fuel prices. The event included special giveaways, such as free fuel worth UGX 2,000 for the first 500 boda boda riders, who were also provided with branded reflectors to promote safety.
Hon. Kauma Sauda, the Woman MP for Iganga, expressed her excitement about the local investment, encouraging other Ugandan entrepreneurs to follow in Hajji Balikowa’s footsteps and invest in their own country. “As leaders, we are thrilled to see local businesses thriving. It’s important that we first develop homegrown opportunities before looking to foreign investors. Today’s mega project exposes our people to new opportunities, and we urge local investors to prioritize Ugandans when hiring,” said Hon. Kauma.
The event was also attended by Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, the State Minister for Minerals and Energy Development, who delivered a keynote address as the chief guest. She commended the initiative as a vital step towards job creation and economic growth in Uganda.
“This new fuel station is just the beginning,” Nyamutoro said. “Thanks to Hajji Balikowa Musa’s dedication, we expect this project to expand to other regions, even to places like Nebbi. This investment will create numerous job opportunities for our youth, and the government will benefit in many ways. I assure you, Hajji, that your efforts will lead to great success.”
The opening of Vintage Gold Oils’ service station marks an important milestone for local entrepreneurs and underscores the growing role of Ugandan investors in the country’s economic development. The project is expected to expand to other parts of Uganda, creating new employment opportunities and supporting the nation’s petroleum needs.
As the launch event concluded, there was a sense of optimism about the future, with many hopeful that local investments like Vintage Gold Oils would continue to drive progress, reduce unemployment, and help Uganda reach its full economic potential.
