Church of Uganda Archbishop Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, together with the House of Bishops, has lauded the Government for its efforts in the development of oil and gas in Bunyoro region.

The clergy made the remarks on Friday following a three-day visit in the Albertine graben.

The visit, which was organised by the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, in conjunction with Joint venture companies in oil development, saw the clergy visit Kingfisher Oil Development Field in Buhuka Kyangwali sub-county, Kikuube district; Kabalega International Airport in Kabaale sub-county, Hoima District and the Tilenga Project in Buliisa district.

Kaziimba said Ugandans should rejoice and appreciate God for what is taking place in the Albertine Graben like the construction of the second international airport in the country and the oil drilling at Kingfisher.

According to the archbishop, oil and gas have changed the region immensely as seen in the construction of roads, and the airport. He has, therefore, requested the Government to consider employing more Ugandans in these projects.

“As the Church of Uganda, we are going to stand with the Government to reject the external force that would sabotage the development of this God-given resource,” Kaziimba said.

The men of God dedicated the entire projects taking place in oil gas to God.

Need for skilling

Kinkizi diocese bishop the Rev. Dan Zoreka and his Rwenzori diocese counterpart, the Rev. Reuben Bizarwenda Kisembo said that communities in western Uganda should diversify in economic strategies.

“As Ugandans, we need to do enough farming to feed these works with enough food. We also need to equip our children with vocational skills such that they get employment in these projects” Rt. Rev. Zoreka said

Petroleum Authority of Uganda executive director Ernest Rubondo said the Government has come up with several frameworks such as the National Oil and Gas Policy, which need to be implemented.

Zakaliya Lubega, an Official from CNOOC Uganda Ltd, said the company has managed to follow the International guidelines for mitigating Noise Pollution in their area of operation while carrying out the drilling processes.