Kampala, Uganda – The Minister of Energy, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, officially opened the 5th Annual National Content Conference today. The event takes place from November 28 to 29, 2024, at Speke Resort Munyonyo. Under the theme “Advancing National Content in the Oil and Gas Sector, Three Years After FID,” this conference is set to be a pivotal moment in Uganda’s journey in the oil and gas industry.
Hosted by the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) in partnership with the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum (UCMP), the conference highlights Uganda’s commitment to expanding its resource base and establishing itself as a key player in the global petroleum market.
“We are making great strides in increasing our petroleum reserves,” stated Minister Nankabirwa. “The discovery of new frontier basins such as Moroto-Kadam, Hoima, and Lake Kyoga is a strategic move to enhance our oil and gas sector.”
the 5th Annual National Content Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Uganda has made significant progress in its second licensing round, signing production-sharing agreements with international partners, including DGR Global from Australia. The country is now preparing for a third licensing round, which is expected to attract even more investment.
Ernest Rubondo, the Executive Director of PAU, noted that Uganda’s oil and gas sector offers a wide range of opportunities across the entire value chain, including exploration, development, and midstream activities like refining and transportation.
He also emphasised the importance of training nationals for the development phase, mentioning initiatives like the Tilenga and EACOP academies that are preparing a skilled workforce for the industry’s upcoming operational needs.
the 5th Annual National Content Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The conference focuses on the significance of national content in the oil and gas sector.
“The National Oil and Gas Policy is designed to create long-lasting societal value from Uganda’s resources,” Rubondo explained. “We are committed to ensuring that Ugandans benefit from and retain value from this investment.”
With strong legislative frameworks in place, Uganda aims to increase national participation in the sector from 28% to 80% by 2040. Key areas of focus include employment, capacity building, enterprise development, local goods and services, and technology transfer.
As Uganda gears up for its first oil production, it is poised to become a significant player in the global petroleum market. With a commitment to national content and investment in local capacity building, the oil and gas sector is set to drive national development and create lasting value for Ugandans.
The event featured Mr. Egbert Faibille Jr.., Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission of Ghana, as the keynote speaker. With extensive experience promoting local content in Ghana, Mr. Faibille shared valuable insights on how Uganda can maximise opportunities in its oil and gas sector while fostering sustainability and inclusivity.
During the conference, Mr. Faibille emphasised the potential for collaboration between Ghana and Uganda in the oil and gas sector.
“Despite the soccer rivalries between our nations, such as Ghana’s Black Stars versus Uganda’s Cranes, there are significant opportunities for collaboration that could benefit the citizens of both countries,” he stated. The conference provides a platform for stakeholders from Ghana and Uganda to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and knowledge sharing in the oil and gas sector.
“The 5th Annual National Content Conference serves as a platform for fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and ensuring that Uganda’s oil and gas sector benefits all stakeholders. With participation from local and international experts, we aim to enhance national content initiatives and secure sustainable development,” said Ms. Gloria Sebikari, Manager of Corporate Affairs at PAU.
Over the past three years, Uganda’s oil and gas industry has made substantial advancements. Today, over 14,900 Ugandans are employed in the sector, and local companies have secured contracts worth USD 1.7 billion.
The conference is also being livestreamed on PAU’s YouTube channel, providing an opportunity to reflect on these achievements and outline a path forward for continued national participation.
Attendees can look forward to enriching discussions on empowering local businesses, capacity-building initiatives, and success stories from Ugandan enterprises excelling in the oil and gas industry.
The event will culminate in the National Content Awards, honouring outstanding contributions to skills development, technology transfer, supplier development, inclusivity, and sustainability in the sector.
As Uganda prepares for its first oil production, this event is a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to align on shared goals and chart a course toward an inclusive and prosperous future.
