In a high-level engagement that signals a new era of cooperation between traditional leadership and national industry, Buganda Kingdom has today hosted a delegation from the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD).
The meeting, held at Bulange, Mengo, focused on aligning the Kingdom’s vision for socio-economic transformation with the commercial progress of Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
With ‘First Oil’ fast approaching in 2026, the discussion centered on how Buganda’s institutions, businesses, and people can move from being observers to active participants in the multi-billion-dollar value chain.
Representing the Kabaka of Buganda, the Katikkiro, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga reiterated the Kingdom’s support for the responsible exploitation of Uganda’s natural resources.
He emphasised that the Kingdom stands ready to support national institutions like UNOC to ensure these resources drive growth while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
“I encourage families and institutions to invest in education and skills development, particularly in disciplines aligned with the Oil and Gas industry. Building the right capacities today will determine who benefits tomorrow,” the Katikkiro said.
“Ugandans are called upon to equip themselves with relevant technical, professional, and entrepreneurial skills to meet industry requirements,” he added.
The Katikkiro laid out a clear framework for the sector, noting the following:
Environmental Protection: Revenues must prioritise the restoration of areas affected by extractive activities.
Direct Community Royalties: Communities in host regions, specifically Bunyoro, where extraction is active, must see direct benefits through employment, local content participation, and business opportunities.
Unrestricted Access: Host communities should not face barriers in accessing their rightful royalties and benefits.
UNOC’s Roadmap and Opportunities for Buganda
Ms. Proscovia Nabbanja, the UNOC CEO, provided a comprehensive briefing on the company’s mandate to manage the State’s commercial interests.
She outlined the wide range of local content and investment opportunities arising from these projects, spanning exploration, drilling, production, infrastructure, logistics, and support services.
“UNOC is committed to maximising Ugandan and host community participation, including businesses within Buganda Kingdom, through ring-fenced opportunities, local supplier preference, skills development, and strategic partnerships,” Ms. Nabbanja said.
She presented UNOC’s vision and strategic role in the petroleum sector, highlighting a vast portfolio of projects as follows:
Tilenga and Kingfisher: She noted that these are major upstream developments targeting peak production.
EACOP: Ms. Nabbanja explained that the East African Crude Oil Pipeline is a critical link for export and that its construction is soon to be completed.
Uganda Refinery: She revealed that UNOC is constructing a 60,000 bpd facility to ensure domestic energy security.
Kasuruban Block: She revealed that this project is UNOC’s own exploration venture focused on resource replacement.
Kabalega Industrial Park: Ms Nabbanja noted that this is a 29 sq km hub for petrochemicals and logistics that will support the sector by turning waste into byproducts and mitigating pollution in the Albertine Graben.
Katikkiro Mayiga’s Call to Action
In his concluding remarks, the Katikkiro issued a stern but encouraging call to action for the youth and business community within the Kingdom.
“Building the right capacities today will determine who benefits tomorrow,” noted Owek. Mayiga.
“I urge Ugandans to formalise their companies, position themselves strategically, and actively participate in the emerging opportunities across the oil and gas value chain,” he added.
A Sustainable Partnership
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to inclusive, transparent, and sustainable resource development.
Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, briefed the Kingdom leadership on the diverse opportunities available, ensuring that the voice of cultural institutions remains central to national progress.
As Uganda prepares for its first barrel, this alliance ensures that the ‘Black Gold’ becomes a blessing that is shared and transformative for all Ugandans.