Nankabirwa Opens 5th Annual National Content Conference , Highlights Uganda’s oil and gas sector Opportunities

The Minister of Energy, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, officially opened the 5th Annual National Content Conference on Thursday.

The event takes place from today November 28 to 29, 2024, at Speke Resort Munyonyo. Under the theme “Advancing National Content in the Oil and Gas Sector, Three Years After FID,” this conference is set to be a pivotal moment in Uganda’s journey in the oil and gas industry.

Hosted by the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) in partnership with the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum (UCMP), the conference highlights Uganda’s commitment to expanding its resource base and establishing itself as a key player in the global petroleum market.

“Uganda is committed to expanding its resource base. MEMD has progressed with the second licensing round, signing Production Sharing Agreements with DGR Global (Australia) and UNOC , and is preparing to announce a third licensing round. Additionally, three new frontier basins—Moroto-Kadam, Hoima, and Lake Kyoga—have been opened for exploration, marking a strategic step to bolster petroleum reserves’’, said Nankabirwa.

Nankabirwa added that the National Content Conferences are organized as one of the avenues to create awareness on opportunities available in the sector, how they can be accessed, and are a platform for fostering collaboration, sharing insights and ensuring Uganda’s oil and gas sector benefits all stakeholders.

‘’I want to reiterate the government’s position that Uganda’s oil and gas industry has progressed from the early exploration period, the discovery of commercial oil reserves and now the ongoing intensive development stage. Uganda’s oil and gas resources are being developed in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner with the due care to the rights of the citizens’’, added Nankabirwa.

Ernest Rubondo, the Executive Director of PAU, noted that Uganda’s oil and gas sector offers a wide range of opportunities across the entire value chain, including exploration, development, and midstream activities like refining and transportation.

He also emphasised the importance of training nationals for the development phase, mentioning initiatives like the Tilenga and EACOP academies that are preparing a skilled workforce for the industry’s upcoming operational needs.

The event featured Mr. Egbert Faibille Jr.., Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission of Ghana, as the keynote speaker. With extensive experience promoting local content in Ghana, Mr. Faibille shared valuable insights on how Uganda can maximise opportunities in its oil and gas sector while fostering sustainability and inclusivity.

During the conference, Mr. Faibille emphasised the potential for collaboration between Ghana and Uganda in the oil and gas sector.

“Despite the soccer rivalries between our nations, such as Ghana’s Black Stars versus Uganda’s Cranes, there are significant opportunities for collaboration that could benefit the citizens of both countries,” he stated. The conference provides a platform for stakeholders from Ghana and Uganda to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and knowledge sharing in the oil and gas sector.

Over the past three years, Uganda’s oil and gas industry has made significant strides. Today, over 14,900 Ugandans are employed in the sector, and local companies have secured contracts worth USD 1.7 billion. The conference, which is also livestreamed on the PAU’s YouTube channel, provides time to reflect on these achievements and chart a way forward for continued national participation.

Participants can look forward to enriching discussions on empowering local businesses, capacity-building initiatives, and success stories from Ugandan enterprises excelling in the oil and gas industry. The event culminate in the National Content Awards, which will honour outstanding contributions to skilling, technology transfer, supplier development, inclusivity, and sustainability in the sector.

As Uganda prepares for its first oil production, this event serves as a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to align on shared goals and chart a path toward an inclusive and prosperous future.