The prospects of oil production and wealth bring great expectation to Uganda. Many people are anxious as to when this will materialise. The possibility of Uganda moving from a highly indebted country to middle income country is quite fascinating.

But the expectations are in no way devoid of skepticism. Voices of caution abound on how complex the journey might be for Uganda before the country moves from the discovery phase to the production of purified and value-added oil phase.

First, among the many fears is whether NEMA did sufficient environmental impact assessments before exploration companies set to work. Some areas ear-marked for oil extraction are located in national parks while others are in the Lake Albert or its shores. To what extent can Uganda manage environmental conservation and reconciliation of oil and nature?

NEMA has consistently said assessments are a continuous process to ensure harmony between exploration and preservation. But despite NEMA's optimism, voices of caution remain. Queries on whether impact assessment reports were made without undue influence keep coming up.

Besides, sections of the public have been demanding the agreements between the government and oil companies be made public but in vain. For instance, people want to know what the sharing percentages are and whether the ordinary person will benefit from it. So, if mistrust already runs high at the nascent stage of harnessing the oil, how bad will it be when dollars from sales start flowing?

The suspicion is fuelled by Uganda's unimpressive record on corruption. For years now, the government has mainly offered lip-service (and now prayers) in fighting corruption; it has not walked the talk. Given this scenario, some analysts fear that the oil resource may not be of much benefit to ordinary people.

Another issue of concern is the irony of widespread poverty as well as fuel scarcity in many oil-producing countries such as Nigeria and Angola in Africa. Indeed, many people wonder how prepared Uganda is to make a difference.

Already, conflicts are arising between the government and the oil companies on the one hand and among the companies on the other. In January, government said it was going to discuss the 'controversy' between Tullow Oil, a UK-based oil company and Eni SpA, Italy's biggest oil company over assets and exploration rights in Uganda.

Besides, President Museveni and the Ministry of Energy have cautioned the companies against pushing for monopoly interests. Eni and Tullow have been competing for Heritage Oil's 50 per cent shares in oil extraction-demarcated block areas near Lake Albert. Heritage, one of the pioneer oil companies here wants to dispose of its shares.

Many people question whether the government has or is investing in training citizens in oil-related undertakings to help minimise problems in the oil sector in future.

There are also security concerns. Uganda's entry into the oil economy might attract envy from some corners. This is because oil revenues, if well used, could give the country a superior economy, security system and position among the nations of the world. Not everybody would be happy with that.

Moreoverm some of Uganda's oil is in the Albertine region that borders with the DR Congo where conflicts are common. The clash over ownership of Rukwanzi Island between Uganda and DR Congo in 2007 is a case in point.

The pros and cons of oil exploration and production in Uganda are diverse. However, one wonders whether it isn't wise for the country to first seek views and plan on the way forward regarding the resource.

Mr Thembo is a journalist.