Oil spills can happen any place where oil is being extracted, transported, or stored.
The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has assured the country of steps it has made and more to be made to mitigate potential oil spill in the future.
Uganda is aiming to produce, by 2025, around 1.4 billion barrels from two oil fields in Tilenga, the larger one operated by France's TotalEnergies, and Kingfisher, entrusted to the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).
During a meeting with the Ambassador Richard Kabonero, head of regional economic cooperation department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PAU director of environmental health and safety Joseph Kabusheshe said they already have in place has a robust, detailed and comprehensive national oil spill contingency plan which she needs to share with neighbouring countries.
"These strategic frameworks are designed to ensure rapid and effective response to any potential oil spill incidents within Uganda," he said.
The discussions focused on enhancing Uganda's international collaboration efforts concerning oil spill contingency preparedness and response mechanism.
Oil spills can happen any place where oil is being extracted, transported, or stored.
The magnitude of harm from a spill is determined by many factors, including the amount and type of oil, location, season, weather, and actions taken to clean up the spill.
Highlighting the inherent need for trans-boundary cooperation, Dr Kabusheshe said it was critical to collaborate with neighbouring countries that could be affected by oil spill events.
The Petroleum Authority of Uganda is a regulatory body responsible for monitoring and regulating the exploration, development, and production of petroleum resources in Uganda.
PAU ensures that petroleum activities in the country are conducted in a manner that promotes sustainable development, environmental protection, and economic growth.
Amb Kabonero expressed support for enhanced regional partnerships, adding that it was necessary to have a cohesive, multinational approach to oil spill management, which not only safeguards the environment but also ensures sustainable development and mutual prosperity.
"Uganda and its neighbours need to be prepared in the unlikely event of an oil spill," Kabonero said.
The meeting agreed to establish a dedicated committee tasked with formulating and implementing strategic agreements with neighboring nations.
This committee will serve as a pivotal platform for dialogue, cooperation, and coordination, ensuring that Uganda and its neighbors are well-prepared to address any oil spill contingencies with unparalleled efficiency and effectiveness.
"Our proactive measures and collaborative efforts underscore our dedication to protecting the environment and fostering regional stability," said Amb Kabonero.
"By working hand in hand with neighboring countries, we can collectively mitigate the risks associated with oil spill incidents and safeguard our shared natural resources."
This initiative marks a significant milestone in Uganda's environmental and energy sector policies, reflecting the country's steadfast commitment to international standards of safety, sustainability, and regional cooperation.
The proactive stance taken by Uganda will not only enhance the nation's capacity to manage oil spill incidents but also strengthen its position as a responsible and forward-thinking leader in the global oil and gas industry.
The Regional Economic Cooperation Department, headed by Amb Kabonero, is dedicated to fostering economic partnerships and collaborative efforts across the East African region.
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The office plays a critical role in promoting regional stability, economic growth, and sustainable development through strategic initiatives and partnerships.
In January last year, Uganda launched its first oil drilling programme, a key milestone as the country races to meet its target of first oil output in 2025.
The Kingfisher field is part of a $10bn scheme to develop Uganda's oil reserves under Lake Albert in the west of the country and build a vast pipeline to ship the crude to international markets via an Indian Ocean port in Tanzania.
Uganda discovered commercial reserves of petroleum nearly two decades ago but production has been repeatedly delayed by a lack of infrastructure like a pipeline.
The Kingfisher field, operated by the state-owned CNOOC, is expected to produce 40,000 barrels of oil per day at its peak.
