URA impounds 800 litres of fake engine oil in Mbale

Mr Tukei said that the counterfeit engine oil was parked in containers ranging from 5 litres to 40 litres. File photo

What you need to know:

  • In 2007, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards impounded about 50 cartons of substandard Gatex lubricating engine oil in Mbale.

Police in Mbale District have arrested three businesswomen suspected to have been selling counterfeit engine oil to unsuspecting motorists.

The suspects were arrested on Wednesday during an operation conducted by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Police in Mbale garage, Mbale municipality.

The Elgon Region Police Spokesperson, Mr Robert Tukei confirmed the arrests and recovery of fake engine oil amounting to 800 litres.

“We impounded about 800 liters of counterfeit engine oil in Mbale garage and we arrested three suspects to assist police in the investigations,” Mr Tukei, said

Mr Tukei told Daily Monitor on Thursday that the suspects told police during interrogations that they also bought the engine oil from some shops in Mbale town and hawkers.

“They are currently detained and faces charges of being in possession and selling Unilever counterfeit engine oil,” Mr Tukei said, adding that other suspects are still at large.

He said the operation followed the complaints by the URA and Brand Guard, accompany licenced by Unilever to sell engine oil. Mr Tukei said that the counterfeit engine oil was parked in containers ranging from 5 litres to 40 litres.

Ms Madina Nadungha a business woman in Mbale Garage who deals in motor spare parts, welcomed the operation.

“I welcome the operation because a variety of fake car engine oil is being sold in some of our shops, which is dangerous to our customers’ vehicles,” she said.

In 2007, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards impounded about 50 cartons of substandard Gatex lubricating engine oil in Mbale.