Lawyers scramble for oil pipeline jobs

There was excitement and anxiety on Wednesday, when Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum Chairman, Elly Karuhanga, revealed that Uganda intends to employ local legal practitioners in the oil pipeline contracts management.

He said this during conclusion of the two-day second Law Conference, which took place at Kampala Serena Hotel.

According to Karuhanga, there is no need to hire foreign law firms to carry out legal practice on oil pipeline expropriation and compensation contracts, when there are many lawyers in Uganda.

“You should be organised like Boda Boda riders who cannot allow any foreign person to carry out Boda Boda business in their locality”, said Karuhanga, amidst thunderous applause from Lawyers.

Karuhanga advised Ugandan lawyers to create oil and gas clusters and equip themselves with knowledge in commercial law.

“Opportunities exist in the value chain; comprising of lawyers, suppliers and contractors in the oil and gas industry”, he added.

Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) senior adviser Barbara Daisy Nabuweke said the oil pipeline from Buliisa district to Tanga in Tanzania will pass through 11 districts, which is why lawyers should be prepared to undertake

a big task of rendering their legal expertise; in the area of contracts formulation and other legal requirements, for the successful completion of constructing the oil pipeline.

She revealed that lawyers ready to work in the oil and gas industry, shall enjoy other social amenities; such as

health and education facilities for their families, put in place by oil and gas companies in Uganda.

“Tullow Uganda has constructed Schools and Health centres in Buliisa district and Kabaale industrial park shall also have schools and health centres constructed”, she said.

During the same occasion, Chief Justice Bart Katureebe launched the Uganda Judiciary Perception Scorecard Report 2017.

He also recognised best performing judges in a colourful ceremony.

The conference was organised under the theme; “The Legal Profession and Uganda’s Economic Development: Locating the Missing Link”

The key note topics included: The role of rule of law in advancing economic development, technology and law in emerging jurisdictions, opening the legal space and emerging practice areas to meet Africa’s economic growth-the road less travelled.

By Ambrose Gahene