Stakeholders, CSOs call for integrity, transparency in oil and gas revenue management
“Local people relate better to financial figures when they are expressed in actual amounts, not just percentages,” he said.
Buliisa: Stakeholders and civil society organizations (CSOs) are calling for integrity, transparency, and strategic planning in the management of oil and gas revenues to ensure long-term development and sustainability.
This call was made during a training session for sub-national stakeholders on managing petroleum revenues and financing the energy transition.
The training was organized by the Bunyoro Albertine Petroleum Network on Environmental Conservation (BAPENECO) in partnership with the Buliisa Initiative for Rural Development Organization (BIRUDO), with support from the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI).
Gloria Aseera Mugonzebwa, the BAPENECO Coordinator, explained that the training aimed to equip local governments with the knowledge and skills to plan and budget effectively ahead of the anticipated petroleum royalties.
“We are preparing our local governments to manage oil revenues properly when they arrive so that the funds are not wasted,” she noted.
Beatrice Rukanyanga, Executive Director of Kwataniza Women’s Group, stressed that while significant revenue has been collected from natural resources, allocation and utilization remain major challenges.
“Resource governance is a key concern. There must be transparency and accountability in how these funds are used,” she added.
Dr. Paul Bagabo, Development Economist at NRGI, encouraged local governments to stay informed and engaged in national-level discussions that influence how petroleum revenues are shared.
Paul Twebazea, Research Fellow at Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), emphasized the importance of localizing the conversation around revenue management, recruitment, and capacity building.
“Districts must be involved in planning. Without strategic preparation, they will struggle to utilize these revenues effectively even when the funds arrive,” he warned.
Twebazea also called for practical and proactive energy planning at the district level to ensure sustainable management of oil-related resources.
Paolyel Onenchan, Executive Director of BIRUDO, pointed out a disconnect between local expectations and actual revenue flows, emphasizing the need for public education and stakeholder engagement.
“Communities are excited about receiving oil revenues, but many don’t see the money coming. This training is meant to close that gap,” he said.
Joselyn Nyangoma, Natural Resource Officer for Hoima District, urged CSOs to align their activities with the National Development Plan (NDP) and District Development Plans (DDPs) to ensure coordinated efforts in integrating oil and gas planning into existing frameworks.
“It’s crucial to identify linkages between national and district plans for effective resource use,” she emphasized.
Ismail Kusemererwa, Executive Director of Midwestern Region Anti-Corruption Coalition (MIRAC), urged all stakeholders to communicate benefits in simple, tangible terms that communities can understand.
“Local people relate better to financial figures when they are expressed in actual amounts, not just percentages,” he said.
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