Uganda’s rapidly growing transport sector is facing an increasingly costly threat from counterfeit lubricants, prompting TotalEnergies Uganda to intensify nationwide consumer education efforts aimed at protecting motorists, riders and commercial transport operators from substandard engine oils.
The energy company has launched an expanded phase of its ongoing “Wininii Campaign,” a public sensitisation initiative designed to help consumers identify genuine lubricants and understand the long-term financial and mechanical risks associated with counterfeit products that have increasingly penetrated automotive markets across Africa.
The campaign comes at a time when Uganda’s vehicle population continues to expand, driven by rising demand for boda boda transport services, public transport vehicles, commercial trucks and private automobiles.
However, the growth has simultaneously created opportunities for counterfeit automotive products, including fake engine oils that can severely damage engines and increase maintenance costs.
According to estimates by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, counterfeit goods account for approximately 2.5% of global trade, with automotive spare parts and lubricants ranking among the most vulnerable sectors in developing economies.
For Uganda, where road transport carries the vast majority of passenger and freight traffic, the implications are significant.
Henry Kamukama, Lubricants Mechanical Supervisor at TotalEnergies Uganda, says many vehicle owners only discover they have purchased counterfeit lubricants after experiencing serious mechanical issues.
“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.
Mechanics across the country are increasingly encountering engine failures linked to poor-quality lubricants. Agaba Hillary, a mechanic based in Kasangati, says counterfeit oils have become a major contributor to avoidable repair costs.
“Most of the engine problems we see today are caused by poor-quality or counterfeit oil and parts. Many drivers buy lubricants 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,” he said.
Beyond engine damage, experts say counterfeit lubricants can reduce fuel efficiency, increase emissions and compromise road safety, particularly for commercial vehicles operating under heavy workloads.
As part of the awareness campaign, TotalEnergies Uganda is promoting lubricants tailored to different vehicle categories. Hi-Perf is formulated for motorcycles and boda bodas that operate under intense daily use, while Rubia targets diesel-powered commercial fleets such as trucks, buses and taxis. Quartz is designed for petrol-powered vehicles, with a focus on engine cleanliness, fuel economy and long-term engine protection.
The company is urging motorists to purchase lubricants only from authorised dealers and to carefully inspect packaging, security seals and product labels before making purchases.
The awareness drive also incorporates a consumer verification system. Customers who buy or service their vehicles using TotalEnergies engine oils can scratch an authentication seal and dial 23644# to verify product authenticity and enter a prize draw.
Such initiatives are becoming increasingly important as counterfeit automotive products evolve in sophistication. While regulators continue to combat illicit trade, consumer awareness remains one of the most effective tools for reducing the circulation of fake products.
For Uganda’s transport-dependent economy, ensuring the use of genuine lubricants could help reduce vehicle maintenance costs, improve fuel efficiency and extend engine life—benefits that ultimately support both household incomes and business productivity.
As competition in the automotive aftercare market intensifies, the battle against counterfeit lubricants is emerging as not only a consumer protection issue, but also a critical component of safeguarding the country’s growing mobility and logistics sector.