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KAMPALA - At least 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the oil and gas sector are to get training on tax compliance. 

Many SMEs in Uganda face challenges in meeting their tax obligations that can hinder their participation in the sector.

The training will be held at the Industry Enhancement Center (IEC) Kololo, Kampala on Wednesday 31st July 2024.

Jimmy Mugerwa, the project director of the IEC said that the workshop plays a critical role for SMEs seeking opportunities in the oil and gas sector. 

“Attending this training equips SMEs with essential knowledge, insights, and networking opportunities that are instrumental for success,” Mugerwa explained on Thursday 25th July 2024.

The theme of the workshop is: ‘Supplier Development Workshop on Tax Compliance for SMEs in Uganda’.

Mugerwa noted that the workshops will enhance skills, foster collaboration and drive innovation within the industry, positioning Ugandans for long-term success and sustainability in the evolving oil and gas landscape.

The theme of the workshop is: ‘Supplier Development Workshop on Tax Compliance for SMEs in Uganda’. (Courtesy Photo)

The IEC targets to provide training to 900 SMEs over the next three years to enable them to participate in the oil and gas industry.

The IEC was established by TotalEnergies EP Uganda on February 27, 2024. This followed an Industrial Baseline Survey by TotalEnergies EP Uganda, the Uganda National Oil Company and CNOOC Uganda Ltd (include purpose & major find of the survey).

The centre is aimed at providing Ugandan suppliers with access to information, training, enterprise development and business advisory services. According to the Industrial Baseline Survey (IBS), some of the main issues faced by Ugandan companies that need to be addressed to build their capacity include lack of knowledge of potential oil and gas requirements and difficulty in meeting standards.

The IBS was commissioned by TotalEnergies EP Uganda and joint venture partners in 2013, through which the need for promoting national content and capacity building for Ugandan SMEs was identified so that they can ably participate in the sector.

The IBS assessed the quantity and quality of goods and services that would be required compared to the existing capacity in the country.

TotalEnergies EP Uganda has procured the services of the Zoramu Consulting Group and Invest in Africa joint venture, which possess vast industry knowledge and experience in building the capacity of SMEs in similar contexts.

Mugerwa disclosed that Total Energies EP Uganda will provide funding for the training of SMEs to enhance their participation in the industry.

The National Oil and Gas Policy for Uganda (2008) and the 2018 National Content Policy for the petroleum subsector provide for national participation, value creation and retention in Uganda’s economy.