KAMPALA — Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi has called on Muslim Members of Parliament and political leaders to handle Uganda’s transition into an oil-producing nation with caution, warning that poor management of petroleum resources could undermine the country’s development prospects.
Speaking at a luncheon hosted by Prince Kassim Nakibinge at Kibuli courts on Friday after Juma prayers, Mbabazi said Uganda is entering a historic phase as commercial oil production is expected to begin later this year.
He told Muslim legislators and political leaders from across the political divide that they carry responsibility for one of the most significant turning points in Uganda’s history.
“Our oil will begin to flow this year,” Mbabazi said, warning that while petroleum presents major opportunities, it also carries serious risks if mismanaged.
He cautioned that many resource-rich countries have suffered what economists term the “resource curse,” where natural resource wealth leads to corruption, inequality and economic instability instead of broad-based development.
“History will judge this generation of leaders not by how much oil Uganda extracts from the ground, but by how wisely the proceeds are invested in the future of our people,” he said.
Mbabazi outlined three key priorities for managing Uganda’s petroleum wealth, beginning with economic diversification and structural transformation.
He warned against overreliance on oil revenues, noting that petroleum is finite and projected to last only about 25 years.
“The greatest mistake any resource-rich nation can make is to become dependent on a single commodity,” he said, urging investment in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, education and technology.
His second priority was fiscal discipline and strong institutions to manage oil revenues, stressing transparency and accountability in handling national wealth.
“Resource wealth has little value if it is poorly managed,” he said.
Mbabazi’s third focus was the eradication of subsistence poverty, saying oil revenues must translate into improved livelihoods for ordinary Ugandans.
He said success should not only be measured in economic growth figures, but also in household incomes, access to services and quality of life.
“The measure of success will not simply be growth statistics,” he said.
He also called for greater cooperation among political leaders, arguing that national development requires unity of purpose beyond party lines.
“Uganda’s transformation requires unity of purpose,” he said, adding that political competition should not block collaboration on national priorities.
Mbabazi further urged Muslim legislators to uphold integrity and ethical leadership, saying public service should reflect values such as honesty, justice and accountability.
The luncheon, hosted by Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, brought together Muslim MPs, political leaders and religious figures for discussions on leadership, development and national unity.