Bunyoro Kingdom briefed on Oil and Gas Sector Developments
“We will continue working closely with the Premier’s administration for the development of Bunyoro-Kitara,” she stated.
Hoima: The Prime Minister of the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Owek. Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi on Monday welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of Energy and CNOOC Uganda Ltd for a high-level stakeholder engagement focused on updates in Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
Held in Hoima, the meeting reaffirmed the Kingdom’s strategic role in the oil and gas value chain and its commitment to ensuring that local communities benefit from the sector’s progress.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Byakutaga commended CNOOC Uganda Ltd for its longstanding partnership and continued support for community programs in Bunyoro-Kitara.
“We thank His Royal Highness Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, who laid the foundation for a strong working relationship first with the government, and later with investors. We are committed to maintaining these relationships and creating an environment that benefits our people,” said the Prime Minister.
He also urged stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of local communities, noting that social and environmental impacts of oil activities are largely felt at the grassroots level.
Mr. Wilson Tumushabe, Principal Geologist-Reservoir at the Ministry of Energy, delivered updates on the Tilenga Project. As of April 30, 2025, over 143 oil wells had been drilled. Construction of flowlines stands at 97% completion, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is 47% complete spanning 1,423 kilometers, with 296 kilometers within Uganda.
Mr. Tumushabe also acknowledged challenges in land acquisition and project financing, which are affecting timelines. He further announced a milestone agreement signed on March 29, 2025, with UAE-based Alfa MBN to spearhead the long-awaited refinery project.
The CNOOC Uganda Ltd team, led by Head of Human Resource Ms. Yvette Kabagambe Muyingo, praised the Kingdom’s leadership and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to local collaboration.
“We will continue working closely with the Premier’s administration for the development of Bunyoro-Kitara,” she stated.
Mr. Kaija Ronald, Senior Community Development Program Officer at CNOOC Uganda Ltd, provided updates on the Kingfisher Project. He reported active community support programs, improved safety at work sites, and the construction of permanent facilities for staff.
He emphasized the company’s local employment policy, with Ugandans making up 64% of the workforce.
Mr. Kaija also described the function of the Central Processing Facility (CPF), which will separate crude oil from associated elements. The crude oil will be sent to the Kabalega refinery, while the extracted gas will be used for electricity generation and community distribution.
Officials from the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom expressed appreciation for the detailed briefing and reiterated the importance of inclusive development and continued dialogue among all stakeholders.
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