HOIMA CITY – Leaders in Hoima District have called for greater inclusion of local leaders, companies, and residents in Uganda’s oil and gas industry, saying host communities should be among the biggest beneficiaries of the country’s petroleum developments.
The call was made on the sidelines of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) supplier development workshop held at Buffalo Hotel in Hoima City.
Speaking at the event, Hoima District Woman Member of Parliament Beatrice Wembabazi urged stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, including the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), to ensure that more local companies and individuals secure contracts and business opportunities arising from the industry.
Wembabazi emphasized that involving local leaders in the procurement and supplier engagement processes would promote transparency, improve communication with communities, and ensure that the economic benefits of the oil and gas sector reach the people living in the host districts.
She noted that local leaders are well positioned to identify capable businesses and individuals within their communities who can participate in the industry’s supply chain if given the necessary support and information.
The remarks were made during the supplier development workshop, which brought together stakeholders to discuss opportunities available in Uganda’s growing oil and gas sector and strategies for increasing the participation of local enterprises.
The appeal comes as the government and industry players continue implementing Uganda’s national content policy, which seeks to maximise the participation of Ugandan companies and citizens in the country’s oil and gas industry.
