The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) today formalised a partnership with the Zanzibar Petroleum Regulatory Authority (ZPRA) and the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) of Tanzania, through the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement is set to foster significant collaboration and knowledge exchange within the East African oil and gas sector. The ceremony, held in Entebbe, brought together key leaders from the three regulatory bodies.
Ms. Lynda Biribonwa, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at PAU, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, emphasising that “the East African region is one of the most prolific frontier areas for Oil and Gas exploration and development.” She noted that collaboration among regulators is “paramount to leverage on the existing expertise and resources”, given the sector’s specialised, technologically driven, and capital-intensive nature.
Regional Cooperation
According to Biribonwa, the MOU outlines cooperation in critical areas such as petroleum resource management, cost monitoring and management, health, safety, and environment, national content development, and capacity building and knowledge exchange. She expressed her pleasure in signing the MOU, stating, “I am happy that we can sign this MoU and take forward these areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of our countries and sister institutions.”
Mr. Halfani R. Halfani, Board Chair for the Tanzania PURA, reflected on the long-standing informal relationship between Uganda and Tanzania in oil and gas, emphasising the need to “formalise it so that it becomes sustainable. “This MoU will facilitate sharing best practices, so that the region can maintain the capability to bring in investment in the region,” he added shortly after inking on behalf of PURA.
Collective Benefits for Region
Mr. Muhammed S. Said, the Managing Director of ZPRA, underlined the collective benefit of the partnership. He explained that by “putting all of our resources together, we can all learn from each other and see how we take the industry forward for the benefit of all.”
Strengthening Bonds
Mr. Charles J. Sangweni, Director General of PURA, explained that discussions for this tripartite MOU began about a year ago. He anticipates that the MOU “will strengthen our bonds” and highlight “pertinent issues regarding exchanging of data and exchanging experience through capacity building of our technical team.” Sangweni also expressed optimism for broader regional cooperation, including potential future agreements with other East African nations, starting with Kenya.
He noted that the collaboration cemented by this MOU is expected to foster shared growth and expertise, aligning with the regional proverb, “Umoja ni nguvu”, which translates to ‘unity is strength’.
The visiting delegation will also tour Uganda’s oil and gas operational areas in the Albertine Graben, gaining insight into the progress as Uganda prepares for First Oil.
As Biribonwa concluded, “Together, let us chart a transformative path forward for the petroleum industry in East Africa”.