Kiryandongo, (UG): The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has commenced the exploration of Petroleum along the Kyoga basin in Kiryandongo District.
This development was revealed during the stakeholder sensitization meeting held on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Kiryandongo District headquarters.
According to Joshua Suubi a senior Geologist at the Ministry of Energy, the Kyoga basin has been identified with conditions for the accumulation of hydrocarbons which is a potential for oil and gas exploration.
Suubi noted that the government of Uganda is intensifying petroleum exploration to effectively utilize the infrastructure established such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline which has cost Uganda huge sums of money.
Edith Aliguma Adyeri, the Kiryandongo District Chairperson welcomed the development and thanked the Ministry of Energy officials for engaging the local leaders who represent the interests of the communities.
She added that the engagement will help leaders provide the right information and prepare the community for exploration activities. She also pledged to prepare the youths and the communities to tap into the oil and gas sector as they await the exploration findings.
Dan Muganga, the Resident District Commissioner for Kiryandongo called upon the Ministry of Energy to continuously engage the local leaders and communities to avoid resistance and security threats.
He added that the proceeds from oil and gas if discovered will help in addressing local and national concerns.
The petroleum exploration exercise will involve data and sample collection which will be used to market the areas within the Kyoga basin to potential investors in the oil and gas industry globally.
The exploration activities are expected to end in four years. However, the commencement of petroleum exploration is not a confirmation of the existence of oil and gas in the Kyoga basin.
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