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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The National Oil Company-UNOC has commended players in the oil and gas sector for adhering to the local content needs that have seen numerous Ugandans benefit from the sector.
Jessica Kyeyune made the remarks while representing the UNOC CEO at a National Supplier engagement organised by Threeways Shipping (TWS) Services over the weekend.
Kyeyune thanked the shipping company for skilling, training and employing Ugandans and urged all other actors to prioritize local content in the burgeoning oil and gas sector. She emphasized the importance of local considerations in business operations and creating opportunities. “This contributes to the growth of our economy,” she said.
Parliament passed the National Local Content Bill, 2022, with objectives to foster promotion of local products, services and companies in the government procurement process.
The Local Content Policy, highlights commitments to support participation of Ugandans in the Oil and Gas Sector through building the capabilities of Uganda’s human resources in the Oil and Gas Industry, promoting employment of Ugandan citizens and enterprises in the Oil and Gas Industry, developing the competitiveness of Ugandan enterprises as suppliers and Joint Venture Partners, Increasing the use of locally produced or available goods and services by the Oil and Gas Industry and Promotion of in-country research and development and technology transfer to Ugandans
Threeways Shipping, which prides as a pioneer in the logistics sector has continuously created employment opportunities for Ugandans within the oil & gas projects. Since inception, in the early 90s.
Kyeyune challenged Ugandan companies to leverage regional partnerships to enhance their capabilities in skills and technology saying “It’s crucial for our local suppliers to not only participate in the oil and gas sector but to thrive by building their expertise and investing in high capital ventures,” she stated.
The engagement attracted business leaders and suppliers from various sectors, including transport, heavy lifting, and warehousing who are the key players in the global supply chain essential for moving goods and services.
The event highlighted the significance of relationship-building in the logistics industry. Daniel Pettersson – a Director at TWS shared insights on how the company has transited and positioned itself as a pioneer in creating world-class logistics solutions. “Engagements like these are vital for fostering connections that drive our industry forward,” Pettersson remarked.
Elizabeth Kanyesige, from TotalEnergies reinforced the need for organizations to prioritize local content by registering on the National supplier database and work towards skilling locals through capacity-building initiatives that creates value for Ugandans. Threeways Shipping is one of TotalEnergies tier 1 contractors.
Joseph Nyakairu, representing the Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity of compliance with local content regulations. The engagement forum aimed to-among others, address transportation challenges within the oil and gas value chain while promoting sustainable partnerships among stakeholders.
Edgar Kafeero, Project Manager, and also leads the QHSE functions, provided an insightful overview of supplier compliance. He highlighted the benefits of adhering to legal standards in fostering trust and reliability within the industry.
Geoffrey Baitwa, Co-Director at Threeways Shipping Services said the company emphasizes job creation and skills development initiatives. Baitwa also hinted at the various opportunities, including projects in Hoima and Bulisa aimed at enriching community engagement and understanding of the logistics industry. “The future is bright for Ugandan logistics companies that embrace local content and invest in their communities,” Baitwa said. He also highlighted the fact that they have invested heavily in technology, skills and resources.
As Uganda’s oil and gas sector continues to grow, the call for increased local content resonates louder than ever. The collaborative efforts highlighted at this conference signify a commitment from both businesses and government entities to empower local suppliers.
By prioritizing local considerations, Ugandan logistics companies can not only enhance their operations but also contribute significantly to national economic growth.
