Over 150,000 Ugandans benefit from the oil and gas sector — PAU

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The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has delivered a comprehensive update on national participation and project progress in Uganda’s oil and gas sector.

The briefing was presented by the Director of Technical Services at PAU, Peninah Ahebwa, during the opening day of the 6th Annual National Content Conference held today (on Wednesday afternoon) at Mestil Hotel.

This year’s conference is being held under the theme “Beyond the Drill: Cultivating a Legacy of Empowered Nationals and Enterprises in Uganda’s Oil Age.”

Ahebwa reported strong progress in job creation within the sector, noting that 17,000 Ugandans have so far secured direct employment, while 35,000 have obtained indirect jobs, and another 100,000 have benefited from induced employment opportunities. She emphasised that Ugandans now constitute 89 percent of the total workforce involved in the country’s petroleum activities.

Providing further details, Ahebwa explained that 63 percent of Ugandans in the sector are serving in management roles, 93 percent are engaged in technical services, and 98 percent are working in support services. Of particular significance, she added, is the fact that 5,000 of these employees are drawn from host communities where the oil and gas operations are taking place.

Turning to project status, Ahebwa revealed that the Kingfisher Development Project has reached 74 percent completion. All the required production wells have already been drilled under this project, which is valued at $2.3 billion and consists of four well pads.

She also reported that work on the Tilenga project is now above 60 percent, with 170 wells drilled out of the planned total. Tilenga is among the country’s largest investments, valued at 6 billion US dollars and spanning six oil fields.

Ahebwa noted that the 4.5-billion-dollar East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project remains on course, with early-phase activities continuing to progress.

She further indicated that significant headway has been made in regard to the planned refinery at Kabale Industrial Park, following key agreements reached between the Government of Uganda and partners from the United Arab Emirates earlier this year. Uganda remains optimistic that the refinery will advance to development soon.

According to PAU, an estimated $9.96 billion had been invested in Uganda’s oil and gas sector by the end of 2024. The country also projects an annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), a major increase despite current national consumption standing at just 35,000 tonnes per year. This anticipated output is expected to contribute significantly to energy supply and industrial growth.

As the Petroleum Authority celebrates ten years of existence, Ahebwa highlighted major achievements in human capital development. She said a total of 14,000 Ugandans have undergone training through both government and private institutions, including Makerere University, Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba, and TASC. All trainees have earned internationally recognised certifications, positioning Uganda to fully benefit from the opportunities in the emerging petroleum industry.

The 6th Annual National Content Conference was officially opened by the Minister of State for Mineral Development, Okasai Opolot, who was joined by the Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Michael Atingi-Ego. Both officials commended the progress registered and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maximising national participation in the oil and gas sector.