Uganda National Oil Company seeks partnerships with Malaysia

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A Kampala delegation from the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) is in Malaysia to build strategic partnerships and learn about the effective use of natural resources that drive the economy of Southeast Asia's third richest nation.

At one time, Malaysia’s energy sector contributed 40% to its GDP; today it stands at about 20%.

Hosted by Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation, the UNOC team, led by Samantha Muhwezi, the Chief Operating Officer, has since Monday (June 16) held different engagements with several business entities.

MPRC is an agency of Malaysia's Ministry of Economy primarily tasked with advancing Malaysia's Oil & Gas Services and Equipment sector. The Corporation manages Malaysia's commercial interests in the oil and gas sector.

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According to Muhwezi, MPRC's programs to advance Malaysian oil and gas services are remarkable and highly intentional.

She revealed that during engagement with Petroliam Nasional Berhad, (PETRONAS) Malaysia's national oil and gas company, the two delegations discussed global trends and the impact of having one entity as both the national oil company and the regulator, its effect on national growth and expertise, protection of national interests and bargaining power.

In her post on social media X, Muhwezi cited several cases in Malaysia as successful entities.

"Sapura Energy - a homegrown player nurtured to its current global standing. We must endeavour to do the same for Ugandan companies in our sector.

SME Corporation, an entity that oversees all medium, small and micro enterprises in the country, including those in the oil and gas sector. I picked inspiration from their MatchMe online platform that matches MSMEs and clients," reads a post on her social site X.

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Team Uganda's key highlights, according to Muhwezi, also include a visit to Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, set up to funnel a pipeline of talent to Malaysia’s oil and gas industry. In this engagement, the two parties discussed partnerships with universities in both countries, including guest lecturers.

While in Kuala Lumpur, the UNOC team was also hosted by MATRADE - Malaysia’s trade development.

Muhwezi stated that during the discussion, the Kampala team assured the hosts of UNOC 's support towards equitable ventures between Malaysian and Ugandan companies.

UNOC and the hosts also agreed to collaborate in the Human Resources Development Corporation.

Describing the visit as "strategic", Muhwezi stated that the working trip was coordinated by the Uganda High Commission in Malaysia.