Parliament should manage oil sector

By Vision Reporter

Civil society organisations have asked Parliament to retain an oversight role in the management of the oil sector.This follows Parliament’s proposal in the Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Bill 2012, that the minister will be responsible for the appointments of the authority that will the oil.

Godber Tumushabe, from Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), there is no compelling reason why Parliament should shift its powers to enact laws to the executive.
    
“By Parliament vesting the power to determine the coming into force of the petroleum exploration, development and production law, Parliament is negating its legislative responsibilities,” said Tumushabe.

He said the petroleum authority, unlike other authorities, will be regulating a sector which is bigger than the GDP Uganda, which, he said, it cannot be left in the hands of an political appointee.