By Peter AbanabasaziÂ
The business community in Bunyoro region has been oriented on opportunities available in oil and gas sector as the Country heads to the production phase.
This was during the first virtual meeting for Albertine oil and gas suppliers association held Friday.
Mathew Kyaligonza, the National Content Manager CNOOC, highlighted the several ongoing oil and gas projects such as construction of critical oil roads, airport, pipeline and refinery construction saying the business community and residents of Bunyoro can benefit from them either directly or indirectly.
He noted that security services, transport, health, accommodation and catering among others are some of the ring-fenced opportunities for the local suppliers.
He advised that the Business Communities in Bunyoro, need to prepare for the sector by registering on the National Supplier Data Base and keep updated with the oil and gas information.
He challenged the business community n Bunyoro to join strong partners with experiences in the sector, form associations which help them share information and form joint ventures if they are to reap big from the lucrative oil sector.
The Bunyoro Kingdom Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaaga expressed dismay that during the exploration phase, local business communities missed on several opportunities due to lack of skilled personnel, oil and gas information and lack of oil and gas frame work.
Julius Biingi Kawiso, the interim chairperson Albertine oil and gas suppliers association said the meeting was long overdue adding that the sector will provide the region with better opportunities but readiness is key.
However, he explained that the oil and gas sector continues to be challenging, complex and sometimes uncertain hence the need for partnerships.
Edgar Agaba, the managing director for Spice FM said there should be a way of getting farmers organized in groups or cooperatives to be enable to produce quality products to supply in the sector.
