KAMPALA, UGANDA – Makerere University recently hosted a National Youth Convention, bringing together young Ugandans to share their perspectives on the energy transition, amidst global attention to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
The convention aimed to explore ways in which oil exploration can benefit Uganda’s middle class and address the country’s energy needs.
With 70% of Uganda’s population under the age of 30, the convention highlighted opportunities for the country’s youth in the energy sector. Participants discussed the potential for oil exploration to improve energy access, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
Professor Goretti Nabanoga, Principal of Makerere College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, emphasized the importance of local content and training programs for local contractors. “Young Ugandans should leverage the information shared, ask questions, and envision their future in this dynamic industry,” she said.
The Petroleum Authority of Uganda prioritizes Ugandan employment in oil projects, with a tiered system for jobs. Ali Ssekatawa, Director for Legal and Corporate Affairs, highlighted the contributions of companies like Total Energies, CNOOC, and others in taxes, funding infrastructure, and public services.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Director of the Africa Energy Chamber, acknowledged global efforts to reduce fossil fuels but emphasized Uganda’s unique situation. “Uganda must be allowed to utilize its resources to improve the economy, stressing that energy access is a human right for the 900 million Africans without clean cooking technologies.”
Marc-Antoine Eyl-Mazzegah, Director of the IFRI Center for Energy & Climate, described Uganda’s energy transition as a pivotal moment. “The 600MW Karuma hydro dam and imminent oil production are creating jobs and fostering development, provided governance is prioritized.”
Rahma Nantongo, a recent Makerere graduate in Petroleum Geoscience and Production, emphasized the need to develop Uganda’s resources while considering the country’s energy context. “As a trainee with the Petroleum Authority, I have gained technical expertise and observed the social impact and emissions policies of oil projects.”
Cheick Omar Diallo of TotalEnergies drew attention to the local investment and job creation from the Tilenga and EACOP projects. Humfrey Asiimwe, Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum CEO described youth involvement as a business imperative for innovation and sustainability.
Rosette Komugisha, National Content Lead, TotalEnergies EP Uganda, highlighted the company’s initiatives to build capacity for young Ugandans in the oil sector. “Every initiative being undertaken to build capacity either by the Government, International oil companies or their contractors is aimed at skilling Ugandans so that they can work within our industry or the supporting industries to our activities.”
The convention concluded with a call to action, urging young Ugandans to seize the opportunity presented by the energy transition and work with regulators to advance Uganda’s interests. “Now is the time to forge our path and work with regulators to advance Uganda,” one participant asserted.
