Ugandan ambassadors explore Kingfisher Oil exploration area

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A delegation of Ugandan Ambassadors, including representatives from Tanzania, UAE, China, and France, embarked on a significant journey to explore the Kingfisher Oil Exploration Area. 

The Wednesday (April 3) visit marks Day 2 of their comprehensive Oil Fields tour, which began on Tuesday with a visit to the Uganda Petroleum Institute in Kigumba. 

The expedition was ceremoniously flagged off by Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa at the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Foreign Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Richard Kabonera commended the Petroleum Authority of Uganda for organizing this visit.

“By taking the ambassadors out of their offices and immersing them in the field, the practical experience gained is invaluable. The visit underscores Uganda’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and understanding.” Kabonera.

Ugandan Ambassador to China, Oliver Woneka, highlighted the tangible benefits of the oil and gas sector. 

These include infrastructure development and increased employment opportunities for locals. "There is propaganda spreading abroad that people were displaced and mistreated, but what we see here is people's livelihoods restored," says Woneka. 

She also praised the Chinese government as a perfect partner for Uganda’s Oil and Gas journey, drawing parallels with China’s remarkable economic transformation.

H.E. Zaake W. Kibeedi, the Ugandan Ambassador to the UAE, emphasised the significance of the Refinery deal with UAE firm BMB Alpha. This strategic partnership is expected to open doors for investors to come to Uganda. 

"UAE industries are interconnected, once one comes into a country, other companies in different sectors related to the economic zone also come in," says Kibeedi. Additionally, Kibeedi pointed out that Ugandan products, currently valued at $2 billion, have the potential for further growth if quality and quantity are prioritized.

Ali Ssekatawa, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at the Uganda Petroleum Authority, reaffirmed that Uganda remains on track to achieve its 2025 First Oil target.

He says visiting ambassadors hail from countries where oil and gas sector partners are actively engaged. Their insights contribute to commercial and economic diplomacy. 

“We need to retool our embassies with information so that whenever there is misinformation about the country,” says Ali.

The delegation also visited the NEC Kingfisher Waste Management Facility, Kabalega International Airport, and Pump Station 1 where the EACOP will start after receiving crude oil from the Kingfisher and Tilenga Feeder lines.

The visit continues with the Tilenga project today (Thursday, April 4, 2024).