Uganda, March 6 -- Private importers of petroleum products on March 5 welcomed a government proposal to partner with Tanzania in building a pipeline that will transport fuel from Tanga to Mpigi, a district neighbouring Kampala capital city.

If realised, the alternative route would insulate Uganda against uncertainties currently clouding use of Kenya's Mombasa-Kisumu pipeline following the country's switch in import policy last year that cut out Kenyan middlemen.

The importers, speaking through their umbrella body, the Sustainable Energies and Petroleum Association (Sepa), said the plan would potentially make petroleum products cheaper in Uganda. They, however, questioned the viability of the multi-billion project in its present form.

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