Ugandan Enterprises urged to prepare for production phase opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

 The 6th Annual National Content Conference officially opened on 3rd December 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala, under the theme “Beyond the Drill: Cultivating a Legacy of Empowered Nationals and Enterprises in Uganda’s Oil Age.”

The event according to organisers has attracted government officials, industry leaders, regulators, financiers, and Ugandan enterprises to discuss opportunities in the production phase of the country’s oil and gas sector. 

Hon. Okasai Opolot, the Minister of State for Energy, officiated the opening ceremony and emphasised that Uganda is in a historic transition from infrastructure development to the production phase.

“Uganda stands at a defining moment after nearly two decades of exploration, appraisal, and meticulous planning. With 6.65 billion barrels of oil in place, 1.65 billion barrels of which are economically recoverable, our production capacity is expected to reach 230,000 barrels per day, positioning Uganda among Africa’s significant mid-tier oil producers,” said Hon. Okasai.

The Minister stressed that beyond extraction, the real measure of progress is building resilient institutions, empowering local enterprises, and developing a skilled workforce that will sustain Uganda’s oil and gas sector for generations.

“This conference is not just a technical discussion. It is a reflection on our national ambition, shared responsibilities, and our collective future,” he added.

Mr Ernest Rubondo

Mr. Ernest Rubondo, Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), highlighted that First Oil is expected in the second half of 2026. He outlined the stages of First Oil from initial production to delivery at Kabaale, Hoima, and export via Tanga, Tanzania. He noted that the conference will explore opportunities in the production phase, national content performance, financing for Ugandan enterprises, technology transfer, and regional synergies.

He further outlined the key areas where Ugandan companies are expected to prepare and participate, including:

• Support services and maintenance contracts for operations facilities

• Supply of chemicals, equipment, and machinery

• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) services

• Logistics, freight forwarding, and intra-field transport

• ICT services, software, and instrumentation solutions

• Specialized engineering and fabrication services

• Skilled manpower provision, training, and certification programs

“Our focus is to maximise value retention for Ugandans and make Uganda a sound investment destination,” Mr. Rubondo said, reaffirming PAU’s commitment to supporting local enterprises and skills development.

Prof. Michael Atingi-Ego

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Michael Atingi-Ego, Governor of the Bank of Uganda, urged participants to ensure that Uganda’s oil wealth is converted into lasting national assets. 

“The real test is not in extracting resources, but converting them into productive assets,” he said, quoting economists Paul Collier and Joseph Stiglitz.

“The US$11 billion already invested is not just capital. It is the foundation for roads, industrial parks, and logistical hubs that will serve our economy long after the oil has gone. The true measure of success will be whether this oil age leaves behind empowered Ugandan firms, skilled workers, and resilient communities—not merely infrastructure without inclusion.”

The two-day conference features an exhibition where companies showcase their products, services, and mandates. It will conclude with the National Content Awards, recognising excellence in Skilling & Employment, Technology Transfer, Supplier Development, Inclusivity, Corporate Social Responsibility, and National Content Partnership.

With discussions, exhibitions, and awards, the conference provides a platform to equip Ugandan enterprises for long-term engagement in the oil and gas sector and ensure that the country’s oil age leaves a lasting legacy for local businesses, communities, and the national economy.