The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has cautioned Albertine region dwellers against either sabotaging or supporting any actions that intend to frustrate efforts to develop Uganda’s oil resource.
The caution was made by Mr Sam Mugisa, the Corporate Affairs Coordinator at the PAU during the activities of the official hand over of livelihood restoration inputs to persons affected by the Kingfisher feeder pipeline project last week.
He emphasised that the development phase of the oil and gas is the most sensitive and targeted by enemies of development from within and outside the country.
“The development phase is very sensitive in all oil rich countries because it means a lot to the progress of the industry. Do not entertain people talking negatives about Uganda’s oil industry because you have already seen the benefits,” said Mr Mugisa.
Mr Mugisa highlighted that the government is determined to ensure that Ugandans starting from oil project-hosting communities benefit from the industry.
He cited Hoima-Kaiso-Tonya, Hoima-Butyaba-Wanseko and Ikamiro-Buhuka tarmac roads as indicators of the fruits of the oil industry.
‘You are witnesses of the Buhuka – Ikamiro road before oil discovery. Pregnant women would be carried on rudimentary or wooded stretchers up the escarpment to Kituuti Health Centre for treatment. This led to loss of many lives of people,’ he reminded.
The PAU coordinator also mobilised the communities to improve production of goods to tap into the direct and indirect market created by the oil developments including the oil refinery, Tilenga and Kingfisher projects that will attract many people translating into a big market.
‘Now you have been given chicken, goats and pigs, take appropriate care for them to multiply because they provide products that are needed on the growing market. The demand for eggs and meat will automatically rise. We must be participants than spectators of the oil developments,’ he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Kikuube district Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr Denis Kirungi, the Kyangwali Sub-county Chief said the local government is determined to support oil industry developments.
At the function held at Kamyokya village, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Uganda Limited, the licensed developer of the Kingfisher oil field launched the phase 2 livelihood restoration programme in Kyangwali, Kabwoya and Buseruka sub-counties in Kikuube and Hoima districts respectively.
Mr Zakalia Lubega, the Head of Corporate Affairs at CNOOC Uganda Limited promised to do all it takes to ensure that their activities impact the host communities positively both socially, economically and environmentally.
