Minister of Energy, Ruth Nankabirwa, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to harnessing the country’s oil resources for prosperity.
Speaking at the 9th Uganda International Oil and Gas Summit (UIOGS), Nankabirwa underscored the transformative potential of the oil and gas sector.
“The oil and gas sector is a key driver of Uganda’s economy, emphasizing shared prosperity and sustainable development,” she said. To ensure responsible development, the government has established a robust regulatory framework, including the Petroleum Act and the Petroleum Revenue Management Act.
Nankabirwa also highlighted the importance of local content development, ensuring Ugandans benefit from employment, training, and business opportunities. The government has established a Petroleum Authority to regulate the sector and promote transparency and accountability.
Hu Weijie, Vice President of CNOOC Uganda Limited, discussed progress in the Kingfisher oilfield project, emphasizing significant investments in Uganda’s oil and gas sector. Weijie also highlighted CNOOC’s commitment to sustainability practices, including environmental stewardship and carbon neutrality.
The Kingfisher project has made significant progress in local content development, with 146 national staff accounting for 64% of the workforce. The summit also highlighted the training of 200 future Tilenga project operators and production technicians, a significant investment in Uganda’s human capital.
Philippe Groueix, General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda, provided updates on the Tilenga project, emphasizing the importance of developing local talent. The training program is designed to equip Ugandans with the skills and expertise needed to participate in the sector.
The UIOGS summit provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the oil and gas sector in Uganda, charting a course for the future.