The energy consumption in Uganda is mainly biofuels and waste which contributes 87.18% of the total primary energy consumed through firewood, charcoal and crop residues while petroleum accounts for 11.19% of the national energy mix and electricity contributes approximately 1.63%. In addition, petroleum products constitute 10% of the total import bill of the country.
This policy comes at a time when the country needs to consolidate the achievements made towards developing the national petroleum resources not only to avert the challenges of security of product supply and balance of payments but also to transform the country into a modern economy.
In Uganda today, a new momentum for structural transformation is gathering steam after years of conflict, turmoil and economic stagnation. The country is once again on a positive path of growth and political and socioeconomic transformation, despite the strong headwinds caused by the global economic downturn. On the other hand, many challenges, however, remain. There are still far too many people living in abject poverty, the lack of decent jobs is pervasive, especially for the youth, and the country lags behind other countries in the region concerning social development indicators.
The development of petroleum resources provides the country with an opportunity to fast‐track the economic and social transformation process. The new policy direction shall not only actualize the dream for the first oil but also leverage the value addition, national participation and intersectoral linkages to spur growth and industrialization of the Country.
The National Petroleum Policy development followed an intensive consultative process involving a multi-stakeholder network of institutions that play a key role in the design, implementation, financing, benefiting, monitoring and evaluation of petroleum programmes. I wish to thank the technical team from the Ministry and sector agencies which spearheaded the development of this policy led by Eng. Irene Bateebe, the Permanent Secretary.
In conclusion, I wish to pay special tribute to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda for his guidance and vision to secure Uganda’s economic future. I also thank my colleagues in the Cabinet and at the Ministry; Hon. Sidronius Okaasai Opolot, Minister of State for Energy, and Hon. Phionah Nyamutoro, Minister of State for Minerals, for their support in executing our duties.
Hon. Dr. Can. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu
Minister of Energy and Mineral Development
