Uganda Energy Minister Nankabirwa outlines multi-billion oil pipeline project

Uganda, a country in East Africa, is poised to become the first in the region to start commercial oil production by 2025, marking a significant milestone that could reshape the fortunes of the entire region. In an exclusive interview with Ruth Nankabirwa, Uganda's Energy and Mineral Development Minister, CNBC Africa delved into the country's ambitious plans and strategic initiatives to propel its energy sector forward. Minister Nankabirwa emphasized Uganda's commitment to embracing a decarbonization agenda and transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. She highlighted the country's vast renewable energy potential, with 84% of Uganda's energy mix being derived from hydropower, geothermal sources, and nuclear energy. Minister Nankabirwa underscored Uganda's efforts to establish a robust regulatory framework, including laws prohibiting gas flaring and venting, to ensure sustainable and environmentally responsible oil production. Additionally, she outlined Uganda's $3.5 billion pipeline project, which is set to catalyze significant economic growth and elevate the country's position in the global energy landscape. The project has already attracted substantial investments and is expected to commence oil drilling activities in the near future, with a target of producing 230,000 barrels by 2025. Minister Nankabirwa also addressed the impact of Uganda's emerging petroleum industry on the wider East African region, highlighting the potential for enhanced energy security and reduced dependency on imported oil products. She outlined Uganda's plans to establish a storage terminal in Kampala and expand its petroleum distribution network to neighboring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Northern Tanzania. By leveraging revenue from the petroleum sector, Uganda aims to boost agricultural productivity, promote value addition, and facilitate infrastructure development across various sectors. Minister Nankabirwa emphasized the importance of creating sustainable economic opportunities, preserving mineral resources, and fostering job creation through value addition initiatives. She stressed the government's commitment to expanding access to electricity, enhancing energy efficiency, and improving livelihoods of underserved communities. Minister Nankabirwa portrayed Uganda's transition from traditional energy sources to cleaner alternatives as a transformative journey towards alleviating poverty, enhancing social welfare, and advancing sustainable development. Highlighting the disparity in energy access within the country, she underscored Uganda's dedication to extending power supply to remote areas, promoting the use of LPG for cooking, and adopting energy-efficient technologies to uplift marginalized populations from darkness to light. Uganda's energy sector stands at the brink of a monumental transformation, with Minister Nankabirwa's visionary leadership steering the country towards a brighter and more sustainable energy future.