State Minister for Public Service Grace Mary Mugasa has praised the Tilenga Oil Project in Buliisa District for its transformative role in empowering Ugandans and driving the country closer to achieving its First Oil milestone.
While touring key installations including Rig SINOPEC 1503, the Legacy Well at Kasemene, and the Industrial Area at Kasinyi, Mugasa commended TotalEnergies EP Uganda for what she called a “remarkable and well-aligned” execution of operations.
She highlighted the strong Ugandan presence across skilled and unskilled roles as proof that the project is nurturing national capacity.
At the centre of her praise was the Tilenga Academy, which she said demonstrates a deliberate strategy of knowledge transfer.
The academy provides hands-on training and international exposure for young Ugandans preparing for careers in the oil and gas industry.
Mugasa described it as a “next-generation investment” that is building a pipeline of professionals to sustain Uganda’s petroleum future.
Her visit also included interactions with Project Affected Persons (PAPs), whose testimonies illustrated the local impact of the project.
One such case was Emily Faucan, who used her compensation funds to purchase land and establish a successful beekeeping business.
Faucan now earns more than Shs 2 million per month and supports other families through her enterprise.
“These are life-restoring outcomes,” Mugasa said.
“It shows that this project is not just about oil—it is about improving lives and enabling prosperity.”
She noted that beyond the physical infrastructure, the Tilenga Project is helping to shape a people-centred oil economy.
Mugasa pointed to fair compensation processes and consistent engagement with local communities as signs of responsible development.
With First Oil expected in the near future, the Minister called on the oil and gas sector to continue championing sustainability, local participation, and inclusive growth.
“The promise of oil should translate into lasting value. We must ensure Ugandans benefit from their resources, not just today but for generations to come,” she said.