By Wakibi Iddi
Uganda’s oil and gas sector has attracted investments worth more than Shs57.4 trillion (US$14 billion), creating thousands of jobs and expanding opportunities for local businesses as the country prepares for commercial oil production.
The investments have supported petroleum infrastructure development and stimulated economic activity in construction, manufacturing, transport, hospitality and financial services.
The Acting Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Michael Otonga Ochan, disclosed the figures on November 11, 2026, during the Fourth Annual National Conference for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working in the oil and gas sector at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.
Ochan revealed that the industry had employed 22,234 people as of June 30, 2026, with Ugandans accounting for 18,958 jobs, representing 85 per cent of the workforce.
He said petroleum investments were creating opportunities in engineering, construction, logistics, catering, security and other support services.
“The sector’s contribution goes beyond investment in petroleum infrastructure. It is creating employment opportunities, developing local enterprises, transferring skills and increasing the participation of Ugandans in the country’s economic development,” Ochan said.
He further disclosed that approved Tier One contracts were worth US$7.6 billion (Shs31.16 trillion), with Ugandan companies securing US$2.3 billion (Shs9.43 trillion), representing 30 per cent.
However, he urged local businesses to strengthen their technical capacity, financial resources and quality standards to compete for more contracts as production approaches.
Since Uganda announced the Final Investment Decision (FID) in February 2022, the sector has made progress in developing oilfields and associated infrastructure.
Ochan said PAU had, over the past 11 years, established regulatory frameworks, strengthened compliance monitoring and overseen the transition from exploration to infrastructure development. The Authority had also prioritised national content, environmental protection and occupational health and safety.
As Uganda approaches first oil, he identified economic sustainability, environmental and social protection, and governance and accountability as priorities for the industry.
He emphasised that employment creation, skills development, infrastructure investment and economic diversification were essential to ensuring petroleum wealth benefits other sectors.
On environmental protection, he highlighted biodiversity conservation, emissions management, climate resilience and restoration of livelihoods affected by petroleum activities.
He also called for transparency and effective regulation to ensure responsible management of petroleum resources.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that petroleum resources are developed sustainably, with environmental protection, effective regulation and accountable management at the centre of our operations. The benefits must contribute meaningfully to national development and create lasting value for future generations,” he said.
Ochan urged government institutions, oil companies, civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen collaboration and public engagement.
Citing the Uganda SDG Progress Assessment 2026, he noted that the country’s Sustainable Development Goals Index had improved from 51.5 in 2015 to 55.84 in 2025, with 28 per cent of assessed targets reportedly on track.
Held under the theme “Advancing Sustainability in Uganda’s Oil and Gas Sector: Progress, Lessons, and Look Ahead,” the conference brought together government officials, licensed oil companies, civil society organisations and development partners to assess progress and discuss priorities ahead of commercial production.
As Uganda moves closer to first oil, the priority is to translate its Shs57.4 trillion investment into lasting prosperity through jobs, empowered local businesses, environmental protection and improved livelihoods for future generations.