Partnerships are vital in the development of Uganda’s oil and gas sector. This was highlighted by the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, at the 11th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2025, held at Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
The conference, running on the theme ‘Unlocking Investment in Future Energy: The Role of Petroleum Resources in the Energy Mix for Sustainable Development in East Africa, aims at attracting key players to invest in Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
The minister emphasized that partnerships have mutual benefits, facilitating the growth of the sector and driving economic progress.
Nankabirwa also highlighted the role of the energy mix in unlocking investment opportunities, emphasizing the importance of joint exploration to enhance collaboration and attract more investments in the sector.
She further discussed Uganda’s efforts to create a pool of resources that will facilitate investment in the energy sector, noting that this can only be achieved through partnerships.
Why Partnerships Matter
The development of Uganda’s oil and gas sector is a complex endeavor, requiring significant investment, technical expertise, and infrastructure development. Partnerships between the government, international oil companies, and local businesses are essential in addressing these challenges.
Mutual Benefits
Partnerships offer mutual benefits, allowing parties to share risks, costs, and expertise. This collaborative approach enables the development of critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, refineries, and storage facilities, which are essential for the growth of the sector.
Technology Transfer and Capacity Building
The Minister emphasised that international partnerships facilitate technology transfer and capacity building, enabling local businesses and professionals to acquire new skills and expertise. This, in turn, enhances local content and participation in the sector, contributing to sustainable economic growth and development.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
She noted that the development of Uganda’s oil and gas sector has the potential to drive significant economic growth and job creation. Partnerships between the government and private sector can help unlock this potential, attracting investment, stimulating innovation, and creating new opportunities for Ugandans.
Success Stories
Several partnerships have already been established in Uganda’s oil and gas sector, yielding positive results. For instance, the partnership between the government and international oil companies, such as TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), has facilitated the development of key infrastructure, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the Uganda Refinery Project.
It is imperative to note, therefore, that partnerships are vital for the development of Uganda’s oil and gas sector, as Minister Nankabirwa reiterated at the conference.
This is because by fostering collaboration, technology transfer, and capacity building, partnerships can help drive economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
As the sector continues to evolve, stakeholders need to work together to unlock the full potential of Uganda’s oil and gas resources.