ENTEBBE, UGANDA — The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), the Zanzibar Petroleum Regulatory Authority (ZPRA) and Tanzania’s Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) formalized a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The agreement aims to enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange in the East African oil and gas sector.
The signing ceremony, held in Entebbe, included key officials from the three regulatory bodies. Lynda Biribonwa, chairperson of the PAU Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in what she described as “one of the most prolific frontier areas for Oil and Gas exploration and development.” She noted that collaboration among regulators is “paramount to leverage on the existing expertise and resources,” given the sector’s specialized, technologically driven and capital-intensive nature.
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The MOU outlines cooperation in petroleum resource management, cost monitoring, health, safety and environment, national content development, and capacity building and knowledge exchange. Biribonwa expressed satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “I am happy that we can sign this MoU and take forward these areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of our countries and sister institutions.”
Halfani R. Halfani, board chair for Tanzania’s PURA, described the long-standing informal relationship between Uganda and Tanzania in oil and gas, emphasizing the need to “formalise it so that it becomes sustainable.” He added the MOU “will facilitate sharing best practices, so that the region can maintain the capability to bring in investment in the region.”
Muhammed S. Said, managing director of ZPRA, highlighted the collective benefit, explaining that by “putting all of our resources together, we can all learn from each other and see how we take the industry forward for the benefit of all.”
Charles J. Sangweni, director general of PURA, said discussions for the MOU began about a year ago. He anticipates the MOU “will strengthen our bonds” and address “pertinent issues regarding exchanging of data and exchanging experience through capacity building of our technical team.” Sangweni also expressed optimism for broader regional cooperation, including potential future agreements with other East African nations, starting with Kenya.
The collaboration, which officials said embodies the regional proverb, “Umoja ni nguvu” — unity is strength — is expected to foster shared growth and expertise. The visiting delegation will also tour Uganda’s oil and gas operational areas in the Albertine Graben for insight as Uganda prepares for First Oil.
“Together, let us chart a transformative path forward for the petroleum industry in East Africa,” Biribonwa said.
