KAMPALA — The Board Director of Uganda National Association of Builders – Suppliers and Engineering Contractors, Oscar Kamukama, has called on contractors to prioritise quality standards in project execution, warning that Uganda’s competitiveness in the oil and gas sector will depend on strict adherence to internationally accepted benchmarks.
Speaking at a CEO Forum organised by UNABSEC in partnership with the Industry Enhancement Centre, Mr Kamukama emphasised that the country’s growing oil and gas industry demands a deliberate shift from cost-driven practices to quality-focused delivery.
The forum, held on March 25 at Africana Hotel in Kampala, brought together chief executives, contractors, and key industry stakeholders under the theme, “Strengthening Local Contractors and Suppliers for Increased Participation in the Oil & Gas Sector.” Discussions centred on enhancing local capacity and positioning Ugandan firms to take on more roles within the sector.
Mr Kamukama said the integrity, safety, and durability of oil and gas infrastructure are directly linked to the quality of materials used, noting that any compromise could have far-reaching consequences.
“Quality must not be compromised at any level. The integrity, safety, and longevity of oil and gas infrastructure depend heavily on the materials used,” he said. “Contractors must shift from cost-cutting tendencies that undermine quality to value-driven approaches that guarantee durability and compliance.”
He added that as Uganda moves to establish itself as a key player in the regional oil and gas market, meeting global standards is no longer optional but a prerequisite for participation and growth.
Mr Kamukama, who also serves as Sector Head Manufacturing at the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, underscored the importance of strengthening linkages between contractors and local manufacturers.
He said local producers have a critical role to play in supplying certified, high-grade construction materials required for large-scale energy projects.
He called for deeper collaboration aimed at building a resilient and self-sustaining industrial ecosystem capable of supporting Uganda’s oil and gas ambitions.
Beyond technical capacity, Mr Kamukama stressed that competitiveness among local contractors will depend on a broader shift in mindset, towards professionalism, accountability, and strict quality assurance practices.
“This is what will enable Ugandan firms to secure contracts not only within the country but also across the region,” he noted.
Participants at the forum reiterated the need to strengthen local supply chains, improve standards across the construction and engineering value chain, and ensure that Ugandans derive maximum benefit from the country’s oil and gas resources.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to uphold quality, enhance collaboration, and support policies aimed at increasing local participation in the sector.
