Ugandans have been advised to take advantage of the various training programs available on the market so as to prepare adequately to participate in the oil and gas sector.
Speaking during a talk show on NBS TV, Elly Karuhanga, the chairman of the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum (UCMP), said that while some were ready to compete for the many opportunities that will be on offer soon, many were still lagging behind.
“Readiness is a continuous process. Maybe we haven’t even fully fathomed what is upon us. Whereas some players are, to a certain degree, ready, we have others who are just adjusting…” Karuhanga said.
Some entities, Karuhanga said, had even made meaningful partnerships over the years to increase their capacity, with many more similar joint ventures expected to be concluded as activity picks up.
“UCMP, in particular, is keen on promoting local content and capacity development by continuously rallying members to undertake trainings, networking, business to business engagements, conferences and workshops; all aimed at highlighting the opportunities and the importance of readiness,” said Karuhanga.
He added: “The sector is highly standardized and naturally demands the same level of standardization among the service providers.”
The Stanbic Business Incubator, quarterly supplier engagements by the international oil companies, vocational education institutions and the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda (PSFU) interventions were the other available platforms for training and preparation.
About $15 to $20 billion is expected to be invested in the country over the next four to five years to get to Uganda’s First Oil.
Over 80 per cent of the companies that supplied the oil and gas sector between 2017 and 2019 were Ugandan, according to a list released by the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) recently.
Companies and individuals are required to register on PAU’s National Supplier Database and the National Oil and Gas Talent register for them to be able to participate in the industry.
At least 16 opportunities to provide goods and services to the industry are ring-fenced for Ugandans.
