The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), in partnership with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, has held the Third Oil and Gas Skills Expo at Makerere University under the theme: “From Oil and Gas to the Wider Economy: Transferable Skills Driving Sustainable Growth.”
The expo brought together key players in Uganda’s energy sector, including the Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, Ernest Rubondo; Grace Tusiime, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development representing Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa; and Professor Augustine Asamo, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, among other distinguished guests.
Speaking during the event, Ernest Rubondo said this year’s expo comes at a critical time as Uganda’s oil and gas sector moves closer to commercial oil production, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that skills acquired in the industry benefit the wider economy.
“This year’s expo is timely because it aligns with the current stage of development of Uganda’s oil and gas sector as it progresses towards commercial oil production and the need for deliberate efforts to ensure that the knowledge, skills, and experience acquired by Ugandans in the sector are transferred to the wider economy,” Rubondo said.
Rubondo revealed that by the end of 2025, direct employment in Uganda’s oil and gas sector had risen to more than 21,000 jobs.
“Beyond direct jobs, the industry generated an estimated 50,000 indirect opportunities through supply chains, subcontracting, transportation, hospitality, and other support services linked to petroleum activities,” he noted.
He, however, cautioned that skills transfer does not happen automatically and requires structured intervention.
“With all the above skills already in the sector, it is important to appreciate that skills transfer does not occur automatically. It requires deliberate interventions including certification, structured training, and information sharing,” Rubondo added.
Speaking on behalf of Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, Grace Tusiime said the expo had intentionally focused on workforce preparedness for the operations phase of Uganda’s petroleum industry.
“I am pleased to note that this expo has deliberately focused on workforce readiness for the operations phase, strategic research and innovation, international accreditation, and emerging employment opportunities,” Tusiime said.
The Petroleum Authority of Uganda organizes the Oil and Gas Skills Expo in line with Regulation 5 of the Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production (National Content) Regulations 2016, which mandates the authority to organize conferences and educational forums aimed at promoting national content in Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
As part of its regulatory mandate, PAU focuses on five major areas, including petroleum resource management, cost monitoring, petroleum data management, health, safety and environment management, as well as national content development aimed at increasing Ugandan participation in the sector.