They discovered oil in Uganda 2 decades ago, and are finally on the verge of getting their oil industry under way and making a return for the investment.

Uganda Just Getting Started

There are countries with a century old oil industry. Then the UK for example, has an industry that many in that country want to see end. Uganda is just beginning and good luck and good fortune to them.

Pipeline

They will transport the oil via a pipeline through Tanzania to then be shipped globally. The problem of how to transport the oil has been the main reason it has taken so long to get to this stage. Now that they have the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, it opens up the country to more exploration. They have one field close to production and another already well under way. More will likely follow. Neighbouring countries may be able to benefit from access to the pipeline opening up the viability of exploration licences in a much wider area.

Wildlife

The country and surrounding countries are rich in wildlife and the production area is within the protected Murchison Falls National Park. There are rare and endangered species in this area, already under pressure from habitat destruction, hunting and persecution. Park rangers are very concerned that this additional pressure will cause further problems for key species, including gorillas and chimpanzees.

Environment

President Yoweri Museveni has personally approved the development. The oil industry is now very good at making sure they can extract oil with minimal impact on the local environment. Past experience tells us that this does need to be monitored and enforced by government. In Africa and other continents, corrupt governments have all too often in the past turned a blind eye to oil companies' bad practices. If the government enforces strict environmentally safe practices, then the oil companies will comply and keep the place clean, tidy and safe for all living things.

About The Author
Pablo Manente
Chewells Contributor

Pablo writes about Africa, oil, politics, human rights and many other subjects. He is a full time... »

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Replies

• Rodg (Feb 7, 2024)
  If the government play it right, it could be very beneficial for the people of Uganda. I just hope it will not cause political problems and even conflict.
• Mukasa (Feb 1, 2024)
  This is good news for my country.
• Lucky (Jan 27, 2024)
  I hope they will not destroy the lake.
• Sunday (Jan 22, 2024)
  They need to hire local people. Not just take in the workers from other countries.
• Urian Udell (Jan 17, 2024)
  The usual noises are being made by activists. Which is understandable in this area. Even by African standards, it is a hot spot for birds and mammals, some of which are on the list of threatened species. This can and must be done right and will bring much needed good jobs and tax revenue with minimal harm. Other African countries will be watching with interest.

• Name