Museveni Defends Uganda’s Oil Project Ahead of COP 28

Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | President Yoweri Museveni has emphasized the need for a unified African stance on climate change at the upcoming meeting in the United Arab Emirates. Addressing the African Energy Week in Cape Town through Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, Museveni highlighted the importance of presenting a cohesive message at the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai. He asserted that Africa would collaborate with global partners based on mutual respect and partnership.

Defending Uganda’s substantial investment in the oil and gas sector despite opposition from foreign environmental activists, Museveni affirmed the country’s commitment to the development, citing the potential funds generated for Uganda’s overall progress, renewable energy projects, and universal energy access. He also stressed the importance of minimizing emissions from oil and gas operations.

Regarding concerns raised by environmental activists, Museveni underscored the adherence to environmental regulations, citing clearance from Uganda’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Irene Bateebe, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, emphasized the deliberate efforts to work within environmental impact assessment guidelines.

Museveni acknowledged the global shift towards renewable energy but argued that Uganda’s oil and gas projects align with low emission standards. He highlighted Uganda’s energy mix, dominated by renewables, and outlined a strategy to continue developing these resources alongside oil and gas, providing revenues for development and reducing reliance on biomass for cooking.

Looking beyond Uganda, Museveni addressed the structural bottlenecks hindering Africa’s effective exploitation of its energy resources, emphasizing the need for access to capital, technology, and capacity building. He posed questions about Africa’s ability to generate enough energy for its growing population and stressed the importance of addressing energy poverty in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Museveni also highlighted the current global energy situation and its impact on Africa, emphasizing the need for the continent to pursue energy independence systematically. With Africa’s growing population, he advocated for the continent to become a self-sustaining market for energy resources, emphasizing the importance of empowering people to consume locally produced energy, including oil and gas.