Uganda Signals Support for Major East African Oil Refinery

President Yoweri Museveni has announced Uganda’s commitment to supporting a significant regional oil refinery project, emphasizing the nation’s strong desire for economic integration and industrial development within East Africa.

During a meeting with Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, President Museveni stated that Uganda is prepared to invest in the initiative. “We shall support Mr. Dangote, and we are ready to buy shares in the regional refinery because our goal is regional integration and industrial development,” he noted.

The President stressed the importance of Africa processing its own resources rather than exporting raw materials. “We have always been against the export of unprocessed raw materials. That is why Uganda insisted on having a refinery as part of our oil development strategy,” he explained.

Uganda’s own refinery plans in Hoima will proceed, but the country is open to a larger, collaborative East African refinery. “We have no problem supporting a broader regional refinery that can guarantee energy security for the region while Uganda also develops its own refinery,” Museveni added.

The proposed $15 billion to $17 billion refinery, discussed recently at the Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi, could process 650,000 barrels of crude oil daily and serve Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mr. Dangote confirmed that his team is evaluating potential locations such as Tanga, Mombasa, and Lamu, and is in ongoing discussions with regional governments. He highlighted the project’s potential to create numerous employment opportunities for East Africans, mirroring the success of his Nigerian refinery.

Officials from Uganda’s energy sector have been invited to visit the Dangote refinery in Nigeria for technical engagement. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development affirmed that Uganda’s national refinery plans remain viable and will continue alongside regional cooperation efforts.

This regional project is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing East Africa’s energy security, fostering industrial growth, and complementing existing infrastructure like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

Source: State House (Uganda)