On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, during his visit to Uganda, Mr. Jonathan Narh-Dometey of the Ghana Petroleum Commission praised Uganda’s approach to integrating oil and gas development with both ecosystem preservation and economic growth, ensuring long-term sustainability.

He expressed admiration for Uganda’s ability to balance oil and gas development with the conservation of nature and the promotion of tourism, particularly in the Albertine Graben, an area known for its rich wildlife and crucial water resources.

‘‘I have been incredibly impressed by Uganda’s tourism sector and how its linked to oil and gas development. The integration of national parks with oil and gas projects is a remarkable achievement which can be referred as Eco-petroleum, where natural resources and energy development coexist harmoniously,’’ Narh-Dometey said.

In managing the environment amidst oil and gas development, Uganda government in partnership with Petroleum Authority Uganda (PAU) have put in place strong policies and laws to conserve the environment such as the National Environmental Act (2019) and Wildlife Act(2019).

The government also put in place strong environmental monitoring tools; Albertine Graben Environmental Sensitivity Atlas, National Oil Spill Contingency plan and institutional strengthening in empowering agencies, local authorities and NGOs to mitigate environmental risks.

Oil production Uganda is expected to boost Uganda’s GDP through export earnings and government revenues from oil sales, taxes, and royalties. This revenue can be reinvested in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other sectors.