Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has described the ongoing construction of a joint oil refinery by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania as a landmark achievement in the East African Community’s (EAC) integration agenda.
Representing President Yoweri Museveni at the opening of the 15th East African Parliamentary Games at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Saturday, 6 December 2025, Tayebwa said the refinery represents a shift from policy discussions to tangible regional investment that will directly benefit citizens.
“Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are already building our own refinery. This is what practical integration looks like shared investment, shared value addition and shared prosperity. There is no reason for crude oil to leave Hoima for Europe only to return as expensive refined fuel.” Tayebwa said.
The refinery, with a projected capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, is expected to reduce the region’s reliance on imported petroleum products and enhance energy stability within the EAC.
Tayebwa mentioned that the strategic strength of the community’s expanding market, now estimated at over 500 million people, arguing that such scale positions the region for major investment and industrial growth. He emphasized the need for cooperation in adding value to resources rather than exporting them in raw form.
He also applauded ongoing regional partnerships, including Uganda’s road construction programmes in the DRC and its loan approval for a hydropower project in South Sudan. He further commended Kenya’s collaboration with Uganda on a US$500 million steel plant in Tororo District.
Kenya’s Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, welcomed the refinery project as evidence that the founders’ aspirations for the EAC were being realized. Wetang’ula reiterated that integration was essential, noting that member states have consistently supported one another in critical moments.
The Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Joseph Ntakirutimana, praised the Parliamentary Games for fostering unity and strengthening relationships among partner states.
Keynote speaker and former EAC Secretary General Amanya Mushega urged leaders to uphold the ideals of integration and avoid using the regional body as a platform for narrow political interests. He also called for the removal of remaining trade and movement barriers affecting citizens and businesses.
The two-week Games, held under the theme “Advancing Integration through EAC Parliamentary Sports,” commenced with a football fixture in which Uganda defeated Burundi 4–1 at Phillip Omondi Stadium. Katikamu County North MP Denes Sekabira scored a second-half hat trick, while Ayivu Division West MP John Lematia netted the opening goal just one minute into the match. Burundi’s goal came from Hon. Shabani Nimubona.