Commercial Diplomacy

Uganda High Commission Dar es Salaam Holds Oil and Gas Symposium on the Sidelines of the 11th Oil and Gas Convention

Esther Asinde

Kampala, Uganda

Kampala, Uganda- As Uganda edges closer to its long-anticipated First Oil, leaders across East Africa are calling for stronger regional cooperation, economic integration, and strategic planning to ensure the sector drives long-term prosperity rather than remaining an isolated extractive industry. These calls were made during an oil and gas symposium organized by the Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam on the sidelines of the 11th Annual Oil and Gas Convention. The gathering brought together policymakers, diplomats, and development partners to reflect on Uganda’s progress and the broader regional implications of its emerging petroleum sector.

Ambassador Rosa Malango, Uganda’s Special Envoy for Tourism and Trade, described First Oil as the start of a “new chapter” for economic transformation. She emphasized that petroleum resources must power key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and technology. By aligning oil development with the African Continental Free Trade Area, she noted, East Africa can tap into a market of over 1.3 billion people while strengthening economic independence.

Regional cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. Ambassador Ombeni Yohana Sefue of Tanzania pointed to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) as a symbol of successful cross-border collaboration, describing it as a cornerstone of shared prosperity. He added that Uganda’s progress signals Africa’s growing capacity to deliver complex energy projects and compete in global markets.

Ugandan officials stressed the need to translate oil wealth into industrial growth. Ambassador Col. (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye highlighted projects such as Tilenga and Kingfisher as drivers of a new economic corridor linking Uganda and Tanzania. However, he cautioned that businesses must meet international standards and invest in skills and technology to fully benefit from emerging opportunities.

Economic diplomacy is also gaining momentum. Ambassador Richard Kabonero noted that Uganda’s foreign missions are being repositioned as investment promotion hubs to attract capital, facilitate trade, and connect local enterprises to global value chains. He emphasized that long-term value will come from industries built around oil, including petrochemicals, logistics, and manufacturing.

The United Nations Development Programme underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and sound fiscal management to ensure oil revenues support inclusive and sustainable development. Environmental protection and social inclusion were also highlighted as critical priorities. As Uganda prepares to join Africa’s oil-producing nations, leaders agreed that First Oil must serve as a catalyst for regional integration, industrialization, and shared prosperity.