$12.3bn Investment: Uganda oil and gas stakeholders to review sustainability progress ahead of first oil

The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) and its partners will convene nearly 300 stakeholders in Kampala on November 11, 2026, to review sustainability progress in the country’s oil and gas sector as Uganda moves closer to commercial production.

The fourth Annual Joint Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Conference on Uganda’s Oil and Gas Sector will take place at Mestil Hotel under the theme, “Advancing Sustainability in Uganda’s Oil and Gas Sector: Progress, Lessons, and Look Ahead.”

The conference, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), licensed oil companies, the Civil Society Coalition on Oil and Gas (CSCO) and development partners, will bring together representatives from government, industry, civil society, academia, youth organisations and communities hosting petroleum activities.

Discussions will focus on the progress made in developing Uganda’s petroleum resources, lessons from ongoing projects and priorities for ensuring that the anticipated oil revenues translate into lasting economic and social benefits.

Uganda is approaching a major milestone in its petroleum journey, with significant progress registered on the Tilenga and Kingfisher oil projects, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and refinery-related developments.

Beyond infrastructure development, stakeholders have also undertaken initiatives targeting environmental protection, socio-economic transformation, national content development and community empowerment.

The conference will provide an opportunity to assess these interventions and identify areas requiring stronger collaboration as the country transitions from petroleum development to production and long-term operations.

Key discussions will cover petroleum development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate resilience, socio-economic value creation, national content, youth participation, environmental stewardship and stakeholder collaboration.

A keynote address titled “Petroleum Development and the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: Lessons and Emerging Trends” will be delivered by Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, Professor and UNESCO Chair on Environment Law and Sustainable Development at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).

Speaking ahead of the conference, Gloria Sebikari, Manager Corporate Affairs at PAU, said sustainability must remain central to Uganda’s petroleum development as the country prepares to start production.

“As Uganda prepares for production, sustainability must remain at the centre of all petroleum sector activities. This conference provides an important opportunity for government, industry and civil society to reflect on the progress made, openly discuss lessons learned, and collectively identify actions that will ensure long-term value creation for Ugandans,” Sebikari said.

Bashir Twesigye, Chairperson of CSCO, said the annual conference had evolved into an important platform for dialogue and engagement among stakeholders.

“The Annual Joint CSO Conference has become a credible platform for dialogue and engagement. We have seen increasing collaboration among stakeholders over the years, and we look forward to building on that momentum as we shape a sustainable future for Uganda’s oil and gas sector,” Twesigye said.

He noted that sustainability goes beyond environmental protection to include economic empowerment, social inclusion, responsible governance and climate resilience.

He added that ensuring petroleum resources contribute meaningfully to national development would require sustained engagement and cooperation among all stakeholders.

Uganda’s petroleum sector has attracted more than $12.3 billion in investments, created over 22,000 direct jobs and supported more than 200,000 indirect and induced jobs.

Ugandan companies have also secured approximately $2.3 billion worth of contracts, reflecting the growing participation of local enterprises in the development of the country’s petroleum industry.

These investments and employment opportunities demonstrate the potential of petroleum development to stimulate economic activity, strengthen national capacity and create opportunities beyond the lifespan of individual projects.

The conference is expected to conclude with a set of joint recommendations and commitments to strengthen stakeholder collaboration and advance sustainability in the sector.

As Uganda approaches First Oil, the discussions are expected to help shape priorities for ensuring that petroleum resources contribute to inclusive growth, environmental responsibility and long-term national development.