Vivo Energy Uganda on Wednesday announced the addition of 16 new Shell service stations, expanding the Shell network countrywide and bringing the total number of service stations in Uganda to 151.

The expansion is part of the company’s strategy to make Shell fuels, lubricants and services more accessible and deliver ultra-convenience to motorists and shoppers across the country.

The announcement was made at the official opening of Shell Makindye, a new service station that features a KFC restaurant and Bosch Car Service centre.

“Our ambition is to provide an exceptional retail experience at all our service stations, reaching more people with better products and services wherever we do business. We are investing significantly to make this a reality by expanding our footprint,” said Gilbert Assi, Managing Director, Vivo Energy Uganda.

The new service stations include Shell Kisoro, Shell Juba Road, Shell Katosi, Shell Masaka Highway, Shell Katungulu, Shell Janda, Shell Kabale Highway, Shell Bulindo, Shell Kiwatule, Shell Tula, Shell Buwama, Shell Mityana and Shell Makindye.

Speaking at the event, Gilbert Assi added that the expansion results into an 8.6% growth in the Shell service station network across the country to ensure convenience and accessibility for customers.

“The need for network expansion is informed by the growth of Uganda’s economy and improvement in infrastructure which has opened up new roads and suburbs. This compels our investment to scale up provision of high quality products and services to meet the growing and changing motorists’ needs.”

Mr. Assi revealed that the company had adopted a strategy to turn the Shell service stations into retail destinations, offering a wide range of services. Vivo Energy Uganda has brought on board internationally renowned partners who offer complementary non-fuel services, including Bosch and KFC.

Shell Kira Road and Shell Makindye feature a Bosch Car Service outlet, an internationally renowned car workshop service offering expert automotive advice, repair and maintenance work with Bosch quality products, for all car makes and models, by technicians trained on the latest automotive technology.

“Research into consumer behaviour indicates that our customers now seek more convenient solutions and want to do more in one place. Our stations now offer a wider variety of services, providing more convenience to our customers. We now offer financial services, modern food courts and diners, car parts and automotive services, among others,” Assi added.

In June this year, Vivo Energy announced the formation of a 50:50 joint venture with Kuku Foods East Africa Holdings, the owner of KFC franchises in East Africa to accelerate the roll-out of KFC restaurants in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda.

“These new service stations will also stimulate economic growth through the creation of employment in the communities where we invest. As a result of the network expansion, a total of 400 direct jobs and hundreds of indirect jobs have been created across the country this year,” said Assi.

Assi also noted that network expansion would result in increased tax remittances as a result of sales growth. According to the Uganda Revenue Authority, Vivo Energy Uganda remitted taxes to the tune of UGX 398.9 billion in 2018/19, becoming the third largest taxpayer in the country.