District Leaders Urge Transparency and Community Engagement in Lake Kyoga Oil and Gas Projects

District leaders from the Lake Kyoga and Kwania Basin regions, where oil and gas exploration is anticipated, have urged officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to educate local communities and provide clear, detailed information about the projects.

This call was made during a district engagement meeting held on Tuesday 14 January, 2025 at the Dokolo District Council Hall, Dokolo District. The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, included district stakeholders, LCV (Local Council V) chairpersons, and officials from the ministry.

Geoffrey Ocen, the LCV chairperson of Amolatar District, speaking during the engagement, appealed for greater transparency and the disclosure of information regarding oil and gas activities to the local community. He stressed the need for clear communication to ensure the community fully understands the potential impact of these projects. He also encouraged the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development to translate the Impact Assessment Report into the local language to facilitate better understanding.

James Otoo Apili, the LCV chairperson of Dokolo District, also urged the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to enhance the capacity of local leaders and provide clear and accessible information to the community about the projects.

Samuel Okello, the LCV chairperson of Kalaki District, called for significant community mobilization and sensitization to help local residents welcome and embrace the projects without any resistance. He also appealed to the ministry for more facilitation to ease the implementation of the projects in his district.

Isaac Oceng Otim, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Dokolo District, and Shara Tian, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Amolatar District, pledged their full support for the projects and urged participants to act as ambassadors by sensitizing their communities about the expectations and benefits of the oil and gas ventures.

Tonny Sserubiri, the Principal Geologist from the Directorate of Petroleum under the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development, explained that the ministry aims to mobilize and build the capacity of district leaders in the Kyoga Basin, which includes Dokolo, Amolatar, Kwania, Kaberamaido, and Kalaki Districts. The goal is to discover oil and gas in these regions to enhance the country’s gas potential.

Sserubiri also emphasized the importance of cooperation, unity, and collaboration among local leaders and district officials to drive the success of the oil and gas projects in the Lake Kyoga Basin. He noted that the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for the various areas are an essential part of the process.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development also revealed plans to open new areas for petroleum activities, including Moroto-Kadam, Lake Kyoga, and the Hoima Basin.