Uganda’s motorcycle riders are being offered a new lubricant designed to reduce fuel consumption, extend oil-change intervals and protect engines from wear as Vivo Energy Uganda steps up efforts to promote smarter motorcycle maintenance.
Vivo Energy Uganda, the distributor and marketer of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants, launched the Shell Advance AX7 10W-40 “Linya Levo” campaign on August 25, bringing the synthetic-blend motorcycle engine oil to riders across the country.
The campaign is particularly targeted at the boda boda community, whose motorcycles serve as both a means of transport and a source of income.
Vivo Energy says Shell Advance AX7 can allow riders to travel up to 7,000 kilometres between oil changes, potentially extending routine servicing to three or four weeks depending on usage.
The lubricant is also claimed to improve fuel economy by up to three kilometres per litre compared with ordinary mineral engine oils, offering riders an opportunity to reduce one of their biggest daily operating expenses.
Joanita Mukasa Menya, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Uganda, said the product was developed with the economic realities of motorcycle-dependent Ugandans in mind.
“At Vivo Energy, we recognise that for many Ugandans, a motorcycle is far more than a machine; it is a business, a livelihood, and a family’s primary source of income,” Menya said.
She said the “Linya Levo” campaign is intended to reflect the resilience of riders who rely on their motorcycles to generate daily income.
“We engineered Shell Advance AX7 to work as hard as the people who rely on it, helping riders lower running costs, prevent costly breakdowns, and maximise their daily earnings,” she said.
Vivo Energy says the new formulation is designed to provide additional protection for motorcycle engines operating under demanding conditions.
According to the company, Shell Advance AX7 delivers 36% greater protection against engine wear, keeps engine pistons 33% cleaner and offers 29% better thermal protection at high operating temperatures.
The company says these features help reduce friction and heat-related engine stress while supporting longer engine life and sustained motorcycle performance.
The campaign will also seek to influence motorcycle maintenance practices by bringing together riders, mechanics, garage owners and motoring enthusiasts.
Francis Kayoki, Lubricants Sales Manager at Vivo Energy Uganda, said the initiative combines product education with rewards for participating riders.
“We want to reward our riders immediately while helping them protect their investments for the long term,” Kayoki said.
Riders purchasing a one-litre pack of Shell Advance AX7 10W-40 from a Shell station or authorised spare-parts dealer can join the promotion by peeling back the seal, dialing 2953# and entering the unique product code.
They instantly stand a chance to win airtime, high-visibility jackets, keyrings and other merchandise designed for motorcycle operators.
The launch comes amid growing attention to the cost of operating motorcycles, particularly among commercial riders whose daily earnings can be affected by fuel prices, maintenance bills and unexpected mechanical failures.
Vivo Energy said the campaign seeks to encourage riders to view regular maintenance and lubricant selection as part of protecting their income-generating assets rather than simply as an occasional expense.
The company said the initiative demonstrates its commitment to developing energy and lubricant solutions suited to Uganda’s changing transport needs.
With the “Linya Levo” campaign, Vivo Energy is betting that improved engine protection and fuel efficiency can translate into lower operating costs, fewer interruptions and more productive time on the road for Uganda’s motorcycle riders.
