The government of Uganda has given assurance to environmentalists across the globe that they are committed to ensuring proper management of oil drill waste generated from the Kingfisher oil development field in the Kikuube district and the Tilenga project in the Buliisa district.

As drilling of oil production takes shape, energy ministry spokesperson Solomon Muyita says oil waste management facilities are being put in place while others are already in place. For example, Enviroserv, an internationally certified facility, manages drill wastes from the Tilenga project.

Muyita adds that the Government has also put in place robust policies to ensure that oil and gas activities mutually co-exist with the environment and social well-being of communities.

"Uganda has an agenda to protect the environment. Recently, we heard noise from different groups of people attacking the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project, but these facilities demonstrate that we are ready to manage all the waste that might endanger the environment and people," Muyita said.

He made the remarks on Tuesday during a guided tour of the oil waste management facility in Hoima district organised by the Petroleum Authority of Uganda.

Solomon Muyita, spokesperson ministry of energy and mineral developnment Photo by Ambrose Niwagaba Katoto

Enviroserv officials said they have set up an internationally certified laboratory that is being used to test both solid and liquid waste from activities of drilling oil production to determine hazards.

"We are properly covering all the treated waste in one pit, we make sure all solid waste has no moisture or water content in it and the dumping area will be monitored for the next 30 years," Peter Oding, the Incharge Enviroserv Uganda, said.

Following the announcement of the Final Investment Decision for Uganda’s flagship oil and gas projects, they are expected to deliver the first oil in 2025.