Government assures it will be transparent in its oil dealings

Lokeris said the focus should be on constructing long lasting infrastructure which benefits all Ugandans.

Alanz Mwesigwa

Uganda in it's final stages of joining Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) an international policy that aims at promoting transparency and accountability between government and the public on oil and mineral exploration.

Peter Lokeris minister of state for minerals disclosed this during a dialogue with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.

Dr Arthur Bainomugisha, the executive director for Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment, said once Uganda joins this initiative, they will work towards bridging the communication gap between oil companies and the public.

Lokeris said the focus should be on constructing long lasting infrastructure which benefits all Ugandans.

He said the EITI mechanism will also focus on procedures of how contracts will be awarded to oil companies.

The government has already instituted a multi stake holder committee that will monitor oil companies to ensure right information and figures are given to public.

James Muhindo who represented mineral companies said the EITI mechanism is aimed at improving mineral service since Ugandans minerals had started losing market.

Saul Ongaria, a senior economist in the ministry of Finance called for the full engagement of private companies if this is to be achieved.