By Ben Musanje

24th Jan 2023

Opposition strongman and the People’s Front for Transition leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye calls for fresh dialogue on Uganda’s Oil such that the public knows how it’s going to benefit before its extraction starts.

Uganda aims to start commercially pumping its oil reserves in April 2025 and TotalEnergies and its partner; the China National Offshore Oil Corporation reached a final investment decision to develop Uganda’s oilfields in the country’s Bunyoro region.

While addressing the media in Kampala today after police foiled a public debate on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline-EACOP which was organized by the African Initiative on Food Security and Environment at Emerald Hotel, he said that Uganda is blessed with many natural resources but are being utilized by few individuals at the expense of all Ugandans.

Besigye adds that Uganda’s oil extraction is soon starting but even then, Ugandans don’t know their share and called for the Government to come out and tell the public how they are going to benefit from oil.

He has advised companies contracted to extract the oil to wait until clear information is given on how each Ugandan is going to benefit in the oil.

Meanwhile, Police have come out and noted the reasons for blocking Dr. Besigye from participating in a public debate on the divisive East African Crude Oil Pipeline in Kampala.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango says that the organizers had sought authorization from the Inspector General of Police about hosting the guests including Besigye and the NUP Leader Robert Kyagulanyi.

Besigye, earlier expressed concern saying it was unfair for security to allow First Son and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is a serving military officer to traverse the country holding public rallies while other citizens are blocked.


Tuesday 24th January 2023 06:44:23 PM