By KT Reporters

All is set for the fifth annual national Content Conference to be hosted at Speke Resort Munyonyo. The conference hosted by the Petroleum Authority Uganda (PAU) is expected to showcase Uganda’s Oil and Gas achievements since the final investment Decision (FID).

The FIDannouncement signified the commitment of the oil companies to invest close to US$ 10 billion to develop Uganda’soil and gas resources.

The FID provided huge opportunities for each and every Ugandan business whether directly in sector areas such as construction, camp management and drilling.

Gloria Sebikari, Manager Corporate Affairs at the PAU said 4,900 Ugandans are employed in the sector, and local companies have secured contracts worth USD 1.7 billion since FID.

The event running from running from the 28th to 29th November 2024 Under the theme “Advancing National Content in the Oil and Gas Sector, Three Years After FID,” It will l feature Egbert Faibille Jnr, Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission of Ghana, as the keynote speaker.

With a wealth of experience in advancing local content in Ghana, Faibille will share transformative insights on how Uganda can maximise opportunities in its oil and gas sector while fostering sustainability and inclusivity.

Speaking about the event, Betty Namubiru, the Manager National Content at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda it will provide a meeting point for oil and gas executives and decision makers who are driving the oil and gas sector.

“Where the industry’s best experts are sharing insights into what made them succeed and where you have sector leads ready to help guide you through how to tap into the numerous opportunities that are created by Uganda’s oil and gas sector” said Namubiru whose job is to ensure that Ugandans benefit from oil and gas resource developments.

Namubiru observed that the event is the region’s most significant oil and gas National Content conference bringing a wealth of expertise harnessed over the years and will focus on sharing lesson learned, upcoming opportunities and finding solutions to industry challenges.

The conference also provide a one stop center where international oil companies, contractors, policy makers, financial institutions and local companies will come together under one roof to discuss opportunities to maximize national participation in the oil and gas sector.

This year’s conference particularly come as Uganda plans to open up new oil and gas field for the so called third licensing round expected next year.

According to Namubiru, the conference targets the stakeholders across the entire oil and gas value chain.

“And promises to be an experiential platform that creates a level ground for all companies supplying and interested in the oil and gas sector to converge and discuss upcoming opportunities for supplying the oil and gas sector, employment and skilling opportunities, technology transfer and the role of enterprise development in preparing companies to tap into the opportunities in Uganda’s oil and gas sector, “she said.

International oil companies are expected to share a breakdown of the opportunities that will be tendered and advertised over the next years. This is crucial for interested companies to prepare to participate when the next round of tendering process begins.

Introducing the Second National Content Awards 2024
As part of this conference, the PAU will hold the second edition of the National Content Awards 2024. These awards are dedicated to the full spectrum of national content, honouring the companies and entities participating in the O&G industry.

The awards celebrate the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in the oil and gas industry in Uganda. A national content award is the highest national mark of excellence and dedications to ensuring that Ugandans and Ugandan entities benefit from the oil and gas sector activities in Uganda.

The categories this year include;-  Skilling Award , Technology transfer award , Supplier development program of the year , CSR of the year Award , Inclusivity award , Greening and sustainability award and National content partner of the year.
National Content in figures   Current statistics indicate that the oil and gas sector directly employs approximately 14,000 people, with 91% being Ugandans. This figure is expected to peak at around 15,000 next year, maintaining the same proportion of Ugandan workers, before gradually declining as the sector transitions from the construction phase.

Contracts for Ugandan companies Since the Final Investment Decision (FID)   Ugandan entities have made significant progress in securing contracts for the supply of goods and services in the oil and gas sector. Contracts awarded to Ugandan companies are expected to peak this year (2024), reaching approximately USD 250 million.

As the sector transitions from construction to operation, this figure is projected to decline. This reflects the sector’s ongoing commitment to promoting local content and ensuring that Ugandan businesses benefit from the sector’s economic opportunities.   Latest forecasts on employment for EACOP $ 19,366,555 At the peak of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) construction phase, the workforce is expected to reach approximately 3,000 personnel.

Currently, EACOP directly employs 157 staff, with 14 being expatriates, highlighting the significant involvement of local talent in the project. This workforce expansion aligns with the broader commitment to maximize local employment in Uganda’s oil and gas sector, particularly during the construction phase. Most of the workers on the EACOP project will be accommodated in five camps across Uganda.

The Kabaale camp in Hoima will host up to 300 personnel, the Kakumiro camp will accommodate 400, while the Mubende camp will house 433 workers.

In Sembabule, the camp will host 478 people, and the Kyotera camp will provide accommodation for 300 personnel.

These camps are strategically located to support the workforce during the construction phase of the pipeline.

Since 2022, EACOP has invested USD 600m towards the training and capacity building of Ugandans, as part of its total commitment of USD 2.8 million.   This investment reflects EACOP’s ongoing efforts to enhance the skills and expertise of the local workforce, ensuring that Ugandans are well-prepared to take on key roles in the oil and gas sector as the project progresses-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com