Uganda's oil and gas sector is entering a critical phase that demands skilled professionals to manage resources responsibly and create competitive businesses, according to Justice Paul Kihiika, Chancellor of the Institute of Petroleum Studies Kampala. Speaking at the institute's 7th graduation ceremony, where students received degrees in Masters of Laws, Business Administration, Environmental Science and other disciplines with majors in Oil and Gas studies, Kihiika stressed the importance of the moment. "First oil is just a couple of weeks away," he said, referring to the start of commercial production. "The progress being realised with the Pipeline and the refinery projects are encouraging, and this industry is moment-defining for all of us Ugandans if we manage it well."
Two major infrastructure projects are advancing to unlock Uganda's petroleum resources. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline, which stretches 1,447 kilometers, will transport crude from Kabaale in Hoima to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanga Port in Tanzania. A proposed oil refinery in Hoima is also under development, both expected to create employment opportunities requiring specialized skills. Kihiika noted that investments by public and private sectors in the auxiliary oil and gas value chain should generate new jobs where trained professionals will be essential. Since the Institute of Petroleum Studies was founded thirteen years ago, Uganda's oil exploration and development has advanced significantly, he added.
Government officials emphasized the economic importance of developing local expertise. NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong stated that Uganda's ambition to transform its economy into a $500 billion economy is partly anchored on the oil and gas sector. The skilled graduates from the institute are critical to achieving what he called "10-fold economic growth." Government has liberalized the education sector to support human resource capacity development in the oil and gas industry. Patrick Ruharuza, the Institute's Principal, highlighted that investment in people, research, strategy and collaboration is essential for successfully harnessing the country's oil resource.
Speakers also warned graduates about ethical responsibilities. Dr. John Senyonyi, former Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, cautioned new oil and gas experts to prioritize morals and serve their community with fairness, in an implicit reference to the resource curse that has affected other oil-producing nations. Abraham Nkata, Chairman of IPSK's Governing Council, noted that the institute is committed to strengthening institutional capabilities for human capital development "in an increasingly complex oil and gas industry, as every action has consequences." Among the graduates, Evelyn Agasha, a top student in Oil and Gas Management, expressed confidence in securing employment within the nascent sector.
For Uganda's savers, borrowers and business owners, successful management of the emerging oil sector could support broader economic growth and employment, though the government and trained professionals will determine whether revenues benefit the wider population or concentrate among elites.