The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development revealed plans to commence oil exploration works in Teso Sub-region starting next month in an announcement made during a consultation meeting with district leaders from Soroti and Kalaki last Friday.
Mr. Joshua Lukaye, the principal geochemist in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, explained that the exploration will be conducted in the districts of Soroti, Kaberamaido, Kalaki, Serere, and Katakwi in the Kyoga basin. The ministry is currently engaged in consultations and sensitization efforts with local communities and their leaders to outline its plans for identifying potential oil basins.
Mr. Lukaye emphasized the importance of sustainable oil production, stating that while oil has been discovered in the Albertine region in western Uganda, the government aims to identify three additional basins with petroleum potential.
In Soroti, the exploration will cover sub-counties including Ochokican, Kamuda, Lale, Katine, and in Kalaki, the focus will be on Bululu. Mr. Pascal Engwau, the vice-chairperson of Kalaki, emphasized the need for thorough engagement meetings with local communities to inform and enlighten them about the program, given its impact on landowners.
However, concerns were raised during the meeting by leaders such as Ms. Joan Alobo, the Woman MP for Soroti City, who called for broader consultation with the local people directly affected by the exploration. She expressed concerns about the lack of information regarding the outcomes of government flights over the area and emphasized the need to prevent unresolved issues such as compensation, as witnessed in the Albertine region.
Soroti City West Member of Parliament, Jonathan Ebwalu, asserted the readiness of lawmakers to safeguard the interests of the local community, stating, “If they want to kill, let them kill, if they want to take us to prison, let them do it, but we shall not allow anybody to defy our land.”
Table: Key Points on Oil Exploration in Teso Sub-region
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Next month | Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to commence oil exploration in Teso. |
| Last Friday | Announcement made during consultation meeting with district leaders. |
| Exploration to cover districts of Soroti, Kaberamaido, Kalaki, Serere, Katakwi. | |
| Ongoing consultations and sensitization efforts with local communities. |
