Uganda’s Petroleum Resources Programme has emerged as the best-performing initiative among 20 government sectors under the National Development Plan III.
The 2024/2025 National Annual Performance Report released at Munyonyo Speke Resort Hotel confirmed this top ranking last week. Government evaluators cited disciplined activity implementation and seamless coordination across state agencies as the primary reasons for the success. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja presented the prestigious award on behalf of the President to energy sector leaders.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa attributed the victory to technical discipline and a focus on responsible resource management. Petroleum Authority Executive Director Ernest Rubondo further credited the achievement to sustained professionalism.
“The sector’s commitment is reflecting in our adherence to global industry standards,” Rubondo noted.
This recognition arrives as the country pushes toward its first oil production target in the 2026/2027 financial year. Construction at the Tilenga development has surpassed 67 percent completion. Meanwhile, the Kingfisher project stands at 77 percent. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has reached a critical 84 percent completion mark with all necessary pipes now delivered.
The petroleum sector is already delivering significant economic benefits through massive job creation. Currently, the industry supports over 21,000 jobs, with Ugandans filling 86 percent of these roles. Local firms have secured contracts worth more than two billion dollars to date. This figure represents approximately 30 percent of the total contract value awarded in the industry.
Beyond direct employment, the government is utilizing the sector to build a broader national skills base. The National Oil and Gas Talent Register aims to transfer technical knowledge into construction and infrastructure development.
However, this domestic progress faces a backdrop of increasing global market volatility. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt international supply chains and fluctuate prices. Locally, some fuel stations have reported intermittent stock shortages that left motorists stranded. Government has assured the public that current fuel reserves remain sufficient until the end of April.
