The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has explicitly expressed his unwavering support for Uganda’s oil and gas projects, countering the discouragement some have expressed regarding oil production in Uganda. He stated that he sees the ventures as a divine gift and an opportunity for the country to progress and thrive.

He and a team recently embarked on a three-day visit to Hoima, Buliisa, and Kikuube to witness and drum up support for the ongoing oil and gas projects. The visit commenced with a courtesy meeting with his counterpart from the Bunyoro Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and mutual support between the two kingdoms.

The Katikkiro and members of the Buganda Oil & Gas committee were accompanied by Board member Francis Nagimesi and Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer, Peter Muliisa. The trip was organised by both UNOC and Petroleum Authority of Uganda as part of ongoing stakeholder engagement activities with cultural institutions.

In his interactions, Mayiga stressed the importance of using the oil revenue to improve key sectors such as environmental protection, education, and healthcare. He emphasized the need to invest in other economic activities and infrastructure to create sustainable development opportunities for the region.

The tour kicked off with the Katikkiro visiting the Kabalega Industrial Park (KIP) & the Kabalega International Airport in Hoima. KIP will play a crucial role in commercialisation of the oi land gas resource. Also at KIP will be the refinery, crude oil export hub and petrochemical industries.
A significant part of the visit centred around the Kingfisher project, operated by CNOOC Uganda Ltd (CUL), with briefings from the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) and Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) teams. The Kingfisher Development Area (KFDA) project is expected to produce 40,000 barrels of oil per day at its peak, with essential facilities like the Central Processing Facility (CPF) and well pads being constructed to support the production.  KFDA is in Buhuka, Kikuube District.

There, he highlighted the importance of local content in the oil and gas industry, expressing his admiration for the number of Ugandan experts involved in the projects. Out of 12,000 people employed in the oil and gas sub-sector activities, an impressive 94% are Ugandans, showcasing the commitment and expertise of the local workforce.

During his visit to Buhuka, at the heart of the KFDA, the Katikkiro planted a tree in line with the oil companies’ commitment to environment protection. The nearby area has a gravity flow project set up by CUL to ensure the local community has access to safe water, improving their livelihood.
The final day of the tour saw the Katikkiro visit the Tilenga Project Industrial Area (IA) in Kasinyi, Buliisa. The Tilenga project partners include TotalEnergies E&P Uganda, UNOC, and CUL. The IA, spread across over 700 acres, comprises crucial facilities such as a central processing facility, gas (LPG) plant, and Well Pad (Gunya 5) to facilitate drilling oil wells.

He called for a fair distribution of oil revenue, ensuring that the communities in the Bunyoro region receive their deserved share. He likened it to milking and feeding a cow, urging the government to uplift the people’s living standards.
During the visit, the Katikkiro emphasized the importance of prioritizing access to sufficient, safe water and high-quality education, laying the foundation for prosperous and empowered societies.

The three-day visit fostered collaboration and enhanced cooperation between the Buganda and Bunyoro Kingdoms, with both sides seeking to collaborate on cultural heritage, shared resources, and the development of their people.

The Katikkiro‘s visit to the oil and gas projects in Hoima, Buliisa, and Kikuube underscored the significance of sustainable and responsible development, which the oil companies are espousing in the ongoing activities.

Credit: UNOC website.