Banyoro want 30% oil revenue
Apr 03, 2008
Bunyoro leaders are demanding 30% of revenue from oil drilled in the region.
By Amlan Tumusiime
Bunyoro leaders are demanding 30% of revenue from oil drilled in the region.
The demand comes as the two companies, Tullow and Heritage, plan to start oil production in the region in June next year.
During a consultative meeting at Kolping Hotel in Hoima town on Saturday, the leaders said the 30% revenue would help develop the region.
The meeting was organised by Kitara Heritage Development Foundation, chaired by Shem Byakagaba, who is also the secretary to the Judicial Service Commission.
They proposed that the money be shared among the four districts of Hoima, Kibaale, Masindi and Buliisa.
The group also suggested that Bunyoro kingdom be given its own share of the revenue as a separate entity.
On how the youth could benefit, the group asked the Government to set up a university in Bunyoro and name it after a former king. They suggested that oil-related courses be taught there.
The Masindi LC3 chairman, Joshua Amanyire, also proposed that State House sponsors Banyoro youth to study oil-related courses.
The Government chief whip, Kabakumba Masiko, asked the Banyoro to lobby as a group.
“We must be united in this struggle and speak with one voice so that we get what we want. I know that the Government is drafting the oil and gas policy, but we have to make our demands positively.â€
She also advised them to specify which infrastructure they would want such as schools, hospitals and roads.
Abdul Byakagaba of Heritage Oil, said the company as part of corporate social responsibility, had sponsored two students from the region to study at Kyambogo University.
The second deputy premier, Henry Kajura, said the Banyoro should make realistic demands.
“When we talk about oil, we are talking about big money. If we are given 30% shares, this may be a lot of money, which we may even fail to use.â€
Bunyoro leaders are demanding 30% of revenue from oil drilled in the region.
The demand comes as the two companies, Tullow and Heritage, plan to start oil production in the region in June next year.
During a consultative meeting at Kolping Hotel in Hoima town on Saturday, the leaders said the 30% revenue would help develop the region.
The meeting was organised by Kitara Heritage Development Foundation, chaired by Shem Byakagaba, who is also the secretary to the Judicial Service Commission.
They proposed that the money be shared among the four districts of Hoima, Kibaale, Masindi and Buliisa.
The group also suggested that Bunyoro kingdom be given its own share of the revenue as a separate entity.
On how the youth could benefit, the group asked the Government to set up a university in Bunyoro and name it after a former king. They suggested that oil-related courses be taught there.
The Masindi LC3 chairman, Joshua Amanyire, also proposed that State House sponsors Banyoro youth to study oil-related courses.
The Government chief whip, Kabakumba Masiko, asked the Banyoro to lobby as a group.
“We must be united in this struggle and speak with one voice so that we get what we want. I know that the Government is drafting the oil and gas policy, but we have to make our demands positively.â€
She also advised them to specify which infrastructure they would want such as schools, hospitals and roads.
Abdul Byakagaba of Heritage Oil, said the company as part of corporate social responsibility, had sponsored two students from the region to study at Kyambogo University.
The second deputy premier, Henry Kajura, said the Banyoro should make realistic demands.
“When we talk about oil, we are talking about big money. If we are given 30% shares, this may be a lot of money, which we may even fail to use.â€