BUNYORO: The Katikiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga and a delegation of officials from Buganda Kingdom on Monday began a three-day visit to Hoima, Buliisa, and Kikuube for Oil and Gas projects and Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.
The delegation was received by the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Prime Minister Owek Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi
This visit marks the Prime Minister of Buganda’s third interaction with the kingdom.
The Omuhikirwa of Bunyoro Kitara handed over a portrait of Omukama wa Bunyoro, Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru 1, to the Katikkiro of Buganda at his maiden visit to the administration of the Kingdom at Karuziika in Hoima City, as a significance of the ongoing relationship between the two regions.
He later paid a courtesy call to the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom His Royal Majesty Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru at Karuziika Palace. He thanked him graciously for hosting us and briefed him about our visit to Bunyoro and delivered Ssaabasajja Kabaka’s warm regards to him.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, received a guided tour of Kabalega International Airport, which is an integral part of the Kabalega Industrial Park (KIP) initiative. Designed to accommodate the 2nd largest cargo plane worldwide, this facility will support the transportation needs of the region’s oil industry.
Owek. Mayiga urged oil and gas sector players to effectively put to use the oil revenue especially in areas ranging from environment conservation, health and education, infrastructure development among others.
Buganda Kingdom’s premier Charles Peter Mayiga, also expressed his disregard for foreign countries opposing Uganda’s exploration of its natural resources, particularly oil and gas, emphasizing that the government should not succumb to external pressure and instead invest in the sector, taking advantage of its current profitability.
“Foreign countries opposing Uganda’s exploration of its natural resources, particularly oil and gas, do not have the best interests of Uganda at heart. The government should stand firm and take advantage of the current profitability of the sector,” said Mayiga
During a meeting with officials from Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, held as part of a tour of the Albertine oil region, Mayiga advised the government on the future use of oil revenues recommending that the funds be allocated towards vital developmental projects, such as improving the healthcare system, enhancing educational institutions, and investing in infrastructure, particularly roads.
“Once Uganda starts generating oil revenue, it is crucial to strategically invest it in key sectors that drive development, such as improving healthcare facilities, enhancing educational institutions, and expanding infrastructure, including roads.”
Accompanied by other Kingdom ministers, Mayiga reiterated his support for Uganda’s exploration of oil and gas resources, denouncing foreign countries that oppose the nation’s progress in this sector. The Buganda Kingdom pledged its assistance in promoting and maximizing the benefits of the lucrative oil industry.
In response to Mayiga’s recommendations, his counterpart Bunyoro Kitara Prime Minister, Andrew Byakutaga, urged the people of Bunyoro to broaden their focus beyond oil, emphasizing the importance of embracing other development projects.
“While oil is significant, we should also explore avenues like coffee farming, which can contribute to poverty alleviation and the overall growth of our region.”
Buganda Kingdom’s Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, visited the Albertine oil region as part of an official tour, accompanied by other Kingdom ministers.
The visit by Buganda Kingdom officials to the oil-rich Albertine region aimed to gather valuable insights into the ongoing oil exploration activities, as well as understand the potential challenges and benefits associated with the sector.
The Buganda Kingdom, which supports Uganda’s exploration of its natural resources, emphasized the need for strategic investment in sectors that drive development once oil revenues start flowing.
This includes improving healthcare facilities, enhancing educational institutions, and expanding infrastructure, particularly roads. The Kingdom pledged its assistance in promoting and maximizing the benefits of Uganda’s oil industry.
On Tuesday July 18th, the Katikkiro visited the Kingfisher Development Area in Buhuka, Kyangwaali in Kikuube District which is joint venture between partners of CNOOC Uganda Ltd & Total Energies Uganda
Areas toured included Wellpad 2 that hosts the LR8001 drilling rig, the Buhuka water scheme, the Resettlement Houses and Central Processing Facility. He also toured EnviroServe, a Waste Management & Disposal Treatment Facility in Hoima District, which has obtained the necessary licensing to effectively manage both liquid and solid oil waste from the exploration sites.
Katikkiro hailed the employment of Ugandans in the oil and gas projects. Out of 12,000 people employed in the oil and gas sub-sector activities, 94% are Ugandans.
‘I never expected to find so many Ugandan experts here, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that all these knowledgeable individuals are Ugandans, proudly sons & daughters of the land. Their expertise and commitment are truly commendable.” he said
He has also appreciated the CSR projects for the people. Such activities he says, give investors a social licence to operate.
On Day 3, the Katikkiro of Buganda toured the Tilenga Industrial Area, which is covering approximately seven hundred and forty (740) acres.
The Tilenga Industrial Area will host the Central Processing Facility (CPF), the Drilling Support Base, and Construction Support Base for the Tilenga project.
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Story Credit: Nilepost & centralupdates31@gmail.com
