UPDF and UNOC Achieve Accord on Security Measures in Oil Hosting Regions
The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have come to an agreement to cooperate closely and bolster security measures in support of the successful exploration of oil and gas resources in Uganda.
In a meeting convened on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs in Mbuya, Kampala, General Wilson Mbadi, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), urged both UPDF and UNOC to identify collaborative opportunities within the oil sector, particularly focusing on security, for the betterment of the Ugandan populace and the broader African pursuit of Pan Africanism.
Gen. Mbadi underscored the paramount importance of addressing the security aspect of this project, stressing the necessity for cooperation as outlined in Article 209 of the 1995 Uganda Constitution. This article assigns UPDF the responsibility to safeguard Uganda’s territorial integrity, engage with civilian authorities during crises, foster harmony between UPDF and civilians, and actively engage in the nation’s economic development.
Moreover, the CDF encouraged UNOC to persist in their efforts to empower Ugandans, enabling them to access diverse opportunities in the oil sector, including hospitality, construction, and transportation. He believed that this approach would mitigate negative sentiments and enhance the quality of life for Ugandans.
Gen. Mbadi also urged UNOC to disseminate knowledge about the oil resources throughout the nation, emphasizing that a clear understanding of the industry bolsters national security. He stressed that development cannot thrive in an insecure environment, and comprehension of the industry motivates individuals to safeguard and support it.
Furthermore, the senior UPDF officer motivated UNOC to provide regular and accurate updates on the project’s progress, formalize the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), explore potential areas of security collaboration, and clarify their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments.
He pledged to facilitate guided tours of critical facilities such as the oil refinery, East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), Kabaleega International Airport, and Kabaale Industrial Park to familiarize UPDF officers with the project.
In conclusion, Gen. Mbadi expressed confidence that the oil and gas industry would have a positive cascading effect on the military and stimulate economic development. He reaffirmed UPDF’s dedication to ensuring the security of the project and encouraged UNOC to fulfill its role.
In the same meeting, UNOC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ms. Proscovia Nabbanja acknowledged the potential threats facing the oil and gas industry, including terrorism, vandalism, fires, explosions, and oil spills. She committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the sector’s success. She highlighted ongoing joint ventures, capacity-building meetings, and efforts to secure affordable loans for suppliers.
The CEO also mentioned the integration of oil-related modules into training manuals to enhance local content for the project. She emphasized that districts hosting oil projects and their respective traditional institutions would collaborate closely with the state.