Vivo Energy Uganda staged a large-scale emergency drill on September 15 along the Masaka-Mbarara Highway to evaluate response protocols for fuel tanker fires, involving police, firefighters, ambulance services, and local authorities. The exercise, part of the company’s 2026 safety campaign themed "Prepare to Respond," aimed to assess communication and collaboration during road emergencies involving hazardous materials. The simulation focused on scenarios where a fuel tanker fire could endanger motorists, emergency responders, and nearby communities. George Lwawuga, HSSEQ Manager at Vivo Energy Uganda, emphasized that preparedness requires more than written procedures. "The theme is about being ready before an incident happens. We need to understand, practice, and know exactly what to do when an emergency occurs," he stated, highlighting the importance of identifying gaps in coordination with transport partners and public agencies. Fuel transporters face risks beyond vehicle occupants, as tanker fires can expose others to significant dangers. The drill tested firefighting, rescue operations, medical response, and incident management. Joanita Mukasa Menya, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Uganda, reiterated that safety is not an annual exercise but a daily commitment. "Our ambition remains Goal Zero – no harm to our people, business partners, customers, or the environment," she said, underscoring the need for continuous preparedness. Public emergency agencies played a critical role in the exercise, as a major tanker incident would require police to secure the scene, firefighters to contain the blaze, and ambulance teams to manage casualties. Mukasa Menya noted that collaboration among stakeholders is vital. "By practising together, we strengthen our readiness and learn where we can improve," she said, citing the drill as a step toward achieving zero harm. Vivo Energy Uganda, which distributes Shell fuels and lubricants in Uganda, has integrated emergency preparedness into its safety program through training, risk management, and regular drills. The company also conducted fire simulations at depots in Mbale, Busia, and Kampala, involving employees, contractors, and transport partners. Lwawuga stressed that identifying weaknesses in communication, response times, and equipment is only valuable if addressed systematically. The exercise highlighted the broader challenge of road safety for vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Preventive measures such as driver training, vehicle maintenance, and risk management remain critical, but emergency response is equally essential. "Even with prevention, a crash can involve people and agencies beyond the immediate parties," Lwawuga said, emphasizing the need for multi-agency coordination. Vivo Energy Uganda’s drill underscores the importance of proactive safety measures in high-risk industries. While the company’s "Goal Zero" initiative aims to eliminate harm, the effectiveness of such programs depends on sustained investment in training, infrastructure, and interagency cooperation. The exercise serves as a benchmark for improving emergency protocols in Uganda’s transportation sector.
Road safety: Vivo Energy Uganda Conducts Emergency Drill to Enhance Fuel Tanker Safety Response
The Independent Uganda | September 25, 2026
Vivo Energy Uganda Conducts Emergency Drill to Enhance Fuel Tanker Safety Response