TotalEnergies Uganda has stepped up nationwide consumer awareness efforts through its ongoing Wininii Campaign, an initiative aimed at educating motorists and riders on how to identify genuine lubricants and protect their vehicles from counterfeit engine oils circulating on the market.
The campaign, which was launched last week, focuses on practical public sensitisation by encouraging vehicle owners to pay closer attention to where they purchase lubricants, how authentic products are packaged, and the importance of using the correct engine oil for vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and road safety.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, counterfeit goods account for an estimated 2.5 percent of global trade, with automotive spare parts and lubricants ranking among the sectors most affected in developing markets.
Industry experts warn that counterfeit lubricants can significantly reduce engine lifespan, increase fuel consumption, and cause costly mechanical failures.
In Uganda, where boda bodas, taxis, buses, and trucks form the backbone of daily transport and commerce, the growing circulation of poor-quality and counterfeit lubricants continues to pose a major challenge for motorists and transport operators.
Speaking about the campaign, Henry Kamukama, a Lubricants Mechanical Supervisor at TotalEnergies Uganda, said the company is focusing on empowering consumers with knowledge to make safer and more informed decisions.
“Many vehicle owners only realise they have purchased counterfeit lubricants after experiencing engine problems, overheating, excessive fuel consumption, or unexpected breakdowns. Through the Wininii Campaign, we are helping customers understand how to identify genuine products, why the right lubricant matters, and the dangers associated with counterfeit oils,” Kamukama said.
As part of the campaign, TotalEnergies Uganda is promoting three of its key lubricant products tailored for different segments of the transport sector.
Hi-Perf is designed for motorcycles and boda bodas, offering protection for engines operating under high temperatures and heavy daily usage common among commercial riders.
Rubia is formulated for diesel-powered engines such as trucks, buses, and taxis, helping maintain engine durability and performance under demanding commercial workloads.
Quartz, on the other hand, is developed for petrol-powered vehicles and supports engine cleanliness, fuel efficiency, and long-term engine protection.
Agaba Hillary, a mechanic based in Kasangati, said many of the engine problems encountered in garages today are linked to poor-quality lubricants and counterfeit spare parts.
“Many drivers buy lubricants simply because they are cheap without checking whether they are genuine. In the long run, they end up spending much more on engine repairs, overheating issues, and reduced vehicle performance. People need to understand that the right oil protects the engine and saves money over time,” he explained.
Kamukama urged motorists to remain vigilant and only purchase lubricants from verified and authorised dealers.
“Consumers should pay attention to packaging quality, safety seals, labelling, and purchase points. Genuine lubricants are manufactured to strict quality standards, but counterfeit products often imitate branding while lacking the protective properties required for proper engine performance,” he said.
With Uganda’s vehicle population continuing to grow alongside increased demand for commercial transport services, industry players say public awareness about genuine automotive products is critical in protecting consumers from avoidable repair costs and improving road safety standards.
Through the ongoing Wininii Campaign, TotalEnergies Uganda says it aims to contribute to a better-informed market where motorists understand not only the importance of using the right lubricant, but also the long-term value of protecting their engines with genuine products.
