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KIKUUBE - The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has lifted the suspension of works at the Kingfisher Development Area (KFDA) in Kikuube District, paving the way for the resumption of operations.

Ernest Rubondo, the Executive Director of the Authority says the development comes after a rigorous examination of all standard procedures to ensure that all contractors and sub-contractors are robustly implementing the health and safety requirements.

The Authority also reviewed and realigned the safety protocols with the operator for overall improvement in the health, safety, and environmental culture and practices during operations.

The overall progress works at Kingfisher Oil Development Field stands at 53%.

“The resumption of operations comes after additional preliminary safety measures have been instituted, and an overall strategy on contractor HSE management enhanced,” states a press release from Gloria Ssebikari, corporate affairs manager.

She added that the PA is satisfied that the agreed procedures, when implemented, will ensure the safety and well-being of all during the oil and gas operations.

Amina Bukenya, the corporate affairs manager at China National Oil offshores Corporation (CNOOC Uganda) has said that the completion period will not be affected and pledged to ensure that the agreed procedures are implemented.

On Thursday, the Mufti of Uganda His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, and a team from the Interreligious Council of Uganda toured the oil projects but missed visiting kingfisher after operations had been halted following a lorry truck accident that claimed the life of one of the employees.

PAU on Saturday, October 7, directed CNOOC Uganda to halt all kingfisher field operations after a security guard was knocked dead at the camp gate of Excel construction company, a sub-contractor in Kingfisher oil field located in Buhuka, Kyangwali sub-co