BUNYORO — Leaders and residents in Hoima City and Hoima District have called on oil and gas companies to increase opportunities for local communities, saying many Banyoro have yet to benefit meaningfully from the country’s booming petroleum industry.
The concerns were raised during a one-day Supplier Development Workshop organized by the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) at HB Hotel in Hoima City on Thursday.
Participants noted that despite years of oil and gas exploration and development in the Albertine region, only a small number of local residents have secured employment in the sector. They also said many local contractors continue to struggle to meet industry requirements, leaving them sidelined from available business opportunities.
Speaking at the workshop, Hoima District Woman Member of Parliament Beatrice Wembabazi said local leaders have not been adequately involved by sector players, making it difficult for them to guide and inform their communities about opportunities in the industry.
She urged oil companies to strengthen local content initiatives by giving priority to local businesses and individuals during the awarding of contracts.
“We have not been sufficiently involved as leaders, yet our people are eager to participate in the oil and gas sector. More information and opportunities should be made available to local communities,” Wembabazi said.
Hoima District LCV Chairperson Uthuman Mubarak also appealed to oil and gas companies to improve engagement with communities in areas where they operate, saying stronger collaboration would help ensure local people benefit from the industry’s growth.
Representing the Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Andrew Byakutaga, Kingdom lawyer Kiiza Denis encouraged UNOC and other oil companies to create more opportunities for local residents. He also called on the companies to support local governments through corporate social responsibility initiatives, particularly in addressing challenges such as waste management.
Responding to the concerns, Jessica Kyeyune, a National Content Specialist at UNOC, acknowledged that while the oil and gas industry may not provide direct employment for everyone, it offers numerous indirect opportunities that local communities should take advantage of.
She encouraged residents to participate in training programmes aimed at equipping them with the skills needed to compete for jobs and business opportunities in the sector.
Kyeyune also highlighted the investment potential of the Kabalega Industrial Park, saying it offers a wide range of opportunities for both local and international investors. She urged the people of Bunyoro to position themselves to benefit from the industrial park and the broader economic opportunities created by Uganda’s oil and gas industry.
The workshop formed part of UNOC’s efforts to promote supplier development and increase local participation in Uganda’s petroleum sector, in line with the country’s local content policy.
Source: Spice Fm
