Vivo Energy Uganda, the company that markets and distributes Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Uganda, has launched its 2026 annual safety campaign, placing emergency preparedness and response at the centre of its health, safety, security, environment and quality (HSSEQ) efforts.
Running under the theme “Prepare to Respond,” the campaign seeks to strengthen the company’s ability to respond effectively to potential emergencies while ensuring that employees, contractors, transport partners and other stakeholders understand their roles during an incident.
The campaign comes as the company continues to emphasise safety across its operations, including fuel storage, transportation and distribution.
As part of the initiative, Vivo Energy Uganda has conducted a series of Safety Day activities across its operations, including fire drills at its depots in Mbale, Busia and Kampala, crisis simulations and expert-led sessions on emergency preparedness and safety best practices.
The activities have involved employees, contractors, transport partners and emergency response agencies.
One of the key exercises was a road transport emergency response drill conducted along the Masaka-Mbarara Highway, which simulated a fire involving a fuel tanker.
The exercise, organised by Vivo Energy Uganda in collaboration with its road transport haulers, brought together the police, fire brigade, ambulance services and local authorities to test how the different stakeholders would coordinate during a road transport emergency.
The drill focused on communication, incident management, firefighting, rescue and medical response, as well as measures to protect people in the surrounding area and minimise potential environmental impacts.
It also provided an opportunity to assess the preparedness of Vivo Energy Uganda and its transport partners and identify areas requiring further improvement in emergency response.
George Lwawuga, HSSEQ Manager at Vivo Energy Uganda, said the exercise was intended to ensure that emergency procedures are understood and regularly tested.
“The theme ‘Prepare to Respond’ is about being ready before an incident happens. It is not enough to have emergency procedures; we need to understand them, practise them and know exactly what to do when an incident occurs. Today’s drill allows us to test our response, identify areas where we can improve and strengthen coordination with our transport partners and emergency services.”
Joanita Mukasa Menya, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Uganda, said preparedness remains an important part of the company’s broader safety approach.
“Safety is not an activity we do once a year; it is part of how we work every day. This year’s theme, ‘Prepare to Respond’, reminds us that while we work hard to prevent incidents, we must also be prepared to respond quickly and effectively when something unexpected happens.”
She added that effective emergency response requires close cooperation between businesses, transport operators and public emergency agencies.
“Today’s exercise demonstrates the value of collaboration. Our road transport partners, police, fire brigade, ambulance services and local authorities all have an important role to play in an emergency. By practising together, we strengthen our readiness and learn where we can do better. Our ambition remains Goal Zero – no harm to our people, business partners, customers or the environment.”
Vivo Energy Uganda said it continues to integrate safety into its operations through employee training, risk management, emergency preparedness, engagement with contractors and transport partners, and regular testing of response procedures.
Through the 2026 campaign, Vivo Energy Uganda is encouraging employees, contractors and partners to remain alert to potential risks, take personal responsibility for safety and develop the skills and confidence required to respond effectively when emergencies occur.
