Dokolo, Uganda – District leaders of areas surrounding Lake Kyoga and Kwania basin, where oil and gas have been discovered, have urged the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to educate the community and provide clear information about the project.
This was revealed on Tuesday, January 13, 2025, during a district engagement meeting organized by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development held at Dokolo District Council Hall.
Geoffrey Ocen, the LC V Chairperson of Amolatar District, while speaking during the meeting, urged the government to provide local leaders with clear and transparent information to help in sensitization efforts toward the project.
He also tasked the ministry to translate reports of the environmental impact assessment into local languages for the benefit of the community regarding the oil and gas discovery along the lake basin.
James Otoo Apili, the LC V Chairperson of Dokolo District, emphasized the importance of capacity building for leaders and the surrounding communities of the lake basin.
He pointed out that this will enable them to actively participate in the project’s development.
Meanwhile, Samuel Okello, the LC V Chairperson of Kalaki District, requested the ministry to consider facilitating leaders in the lake basin to ensure effective sensitization of the masses about the project.
Isaac Iceng Otim, the Assistant RDC of Dokolo District, and his counterpart from Amolatar District, Sarah Tian, pledged their total support for the project.
They emphasized the need for a collaborative approach in handling the oil and gas exploration activities.
Tonny Sserubiri, the Principal Geologist from the Directorate of Petroleum under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, explained that the goal is to create awareness and build the capacity of leaders from Dokolo, Amolatar, Kaberamido and Kalaki districts regarding the exploration of oil and gas.
He called for cooperation and unity among leaders surrounding the lake basin, especially as they undertake the environmental impact assessment.
Sserubiri further pointed out that under Section 47(5) of the Petroleum Regulations, the government has the authority to explore, develop and produce oil and gas.
He urged leaders to work together to ensure the success of the project.