BY Joseph Kiggundu
Makerere
The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) concluded a vibrant and inspiring participation in the Youth Energy & Mining Career Fair 2025, held at Makerere University, where hundreds of students and young professionals explored opportunities across Uganda’s evolving energy and mining sectors.
The fair—organized by the Uganda Chamber of Mines & Petroleum (UCMP) and the Chamber of Young Professionals—brought together industry leaders, government agencies, and institutions committed to skilling and empowering the next generation. For UNOC, the engagement was a reaffirmation of its mission to prepare young Ugandans for meaningful participation in the country’s energy transformation.
Inspiring Conversations and Youth Engagement
Across two days, UNOC’s booth attracted energetic and inquisitive young people eager to learn about careers in oil, gas, and related sectors. The team showcased UNOC’s work across the entire petroleum value chain—upstream, midstream, downstream, as well as its national content strategy aimed at building a competitive Ugandan workforce.
“We loved chatting with bright young minds from all over the country about oil, gas, and beyond,” UNOC noted. “Every student who visited our booth left us energised and confident that Uganda’s Oil and Gas future is bright because of THEM.”
Kasule’s Call for Readiness and Continuous Learning
During the Skilling & Employment Opportunities Panel, UNOC’s Human Resource representative, Mr. Ronald Kasule, emphasized the value of continuous learning as the energy sector becomes increasingly specialized.
Kasule stressed that “readiness is key to benefiting from sector opportunities,” urging youth to invest in the right skills, certifications, and professional networks.
He added,
“It was a great honour to engage and inspire our young Ugandans as they navigate the right skilling pathways. By making informed choices and staying committed to continuous learning, they will be well positioned to seize the vast opportunities within the sector.”
A Vision for Uganda’s Energy Future
On Day 2, Dr. Lyoidah Kiconco delivered a keynote address on behalf of UNOC CEO Ms. Proscovia Nabbanja, highlighting Uganda’s transition from exploration to full-scale development of its petroleum resources.
She underscored UNOC’s mandate of managing the State’s commercial interests and walked students through the company’s progress across the petroleum value chain:
Upstream
- 15% interest in the Tilenga and Kingfisher projects
- Overseeing drilling, CPF construction, and First Oil readiness
- Operatorship development in the Kasuruban Contract Area
Midstream
- 15% stake in the EACOP project with major progress in land acquisition and terminal works
Refinery
- Up to 40% share in the 60,000 bpd refinery
- Advancing the project with Alpha MBM Investments
Kabalega Industrial Park
- Leading development of an integrated energy hub, including Uganda’s second international airport, refinery, and support industries
Downstream
- Managing the Jinja Storage Terminal
- Developing the Kampala Storage Terminal
- Expanding fuel transport infrastructure
- Sole importer of petroleum products since 2023, ensuring stability of supply and prices
Dr. Kiconco also highlighted Uganda’s commitment to environmental sustainability, carbon reduction, reforestation, and integration of clean energy solutions. She referenced Uganda’s Energy Transition Plan (2023), which aims to grow installed capacity from 1.5GW to 70.5GW by 2050, with oil and gas revenue contributing to this transformation.
Empowering Youth Through National Content
A major theme in UNOC’s engagements was national content development. Dr. Kiconco elaborated on UNOC’s four-pillar strategy:
- Skills development
- Supplier development
- Operatorship capacity
- Community content
She outlined achievements such as internships, graduate trainee programs, welding certification, Continuous Professional Development (CPD), secondments, mentorship, industry partnerships, and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for training and innovation.
Recognizing that over 75% of Uganda’s population is youth, she acknowledged challenges such as limited exposure, experience gaps, cultural barriers for women, and capital constraints. She encouraged young people to embrace digital skills, join professional bodies, pursue internships, and explore careers in geoscience, engineering, IT, environment, and emerging clean energy fields.
She reaffirmed UNOC’s commitment to empowering youth and ensuring Uganda’s natural resources translate into long-term national prosperity.
Leadership Encouragement and Industry Collaboration
Earlier in the event, Ms. Allen Kagina, Chairperson of the TVET Council, delivered an inspiring keynote on the importance of certification, skills development, and professional networks in unlocking opportunities for young Ugandans.
Ms. Kagina also visited the UNOC booth, commending the company’s efforts in guiding youth toward meaningful career paths in oil and gas.
UNOC’s Commitment to the Next Generation
Through its active participation, mentorship sessions, and open dialogue, UNOC reaffirmed that youth empowerment remains central to Uganda’s sustainable energy future. By equipping students with knowledge and exposure, the company continues to nurture the next generation of professionals who will drive Uganda’s energy and mining transformation.
The future is bright, and at Makerere University, UNOC saw it reflected in the passion, curiosity, and determination of young Ugandans ready to lead.