The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has celebrated a decade of transformative progress in Uganda’s oil and gas sector, emphasizing its dedication to transparency, local content development, and the nation’s energy future.
Speaking during Spotlight Uganda on Sanyuka Television under the theme, “Transforming Uganda's Energy Future through Partnership and Accountability,” Ali Ssekatawa, Director of Legal & Corporate Affairs at PAU, highlighted key milestones and the strategic direction of the sector.
The anniversary coincides with that of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), both established to separate regulatory and operational roles from the Ministry of Energy for improved oversight, efficiency, and accountability.
Ssekatawa reaffirmed PAU’s commitment to transparency and data security, noting that all operational information is government property.
He stressed the importance of local content, citing early achievements: “When we first produced oil in 2002, 2.2 billion shillings went to local companies, which is 30% — a significant achievement.”
Uganda remains on track to achieve first oil in 2026, with 14,000 people currently employed directly in the projects. Worker contracts are valued at Shs 7 billion, reflecting strong government and private-sector investment in local talent and opportunities.
Infrastructure improvements, including the construction of eight major roads, have enhanced accessibility to oil-rich areas. Communities have benefited from compensation and social investments, including support for school projects.
Ssekatawa highlighted Uganda’s environmental record, noting no major incidents and emphasizing the local production of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) as a measure to curb deforestation and improve affordability.
He assured Ugandans that as production begins, job creation and revenue generation will expand, reinforcing the sector’s pivotal role in Uganda’s economic growth.
