ENTEBBE – The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has formalized 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 aims 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, emphasizing 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 specialized, technologically driven, and capital-intensive nature.

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. Biribonwa 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, emphasizing the need to “formalize it so that it becomes sustainable”. He added that the MOU “will facilitate sharing best practices, so that the region can maintain the capability to bring in investment in the region”.

Mr. Muhammed S. Said, the Managing Director of ZPRA, underlined the collective benefit of the partnership, explaining 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”.

Mr. Charles J. Sangweni, Director General of PURA, noted that discussions for this tripartite MOU began about a year ago and expressed optimism that the agreement “will strengthen our bonds” and highlight “pertinent issues regarding exchanging of data and exchanging experience through capacity building of our technical team”. He also expressed hope for broader regional cooperation, including potential future agreements with other East African nations, starting with Kenya.

The collaboration cemented by this MOU is expected to foster shared growth and expertise, aligning with the regional proverb, “Umoja ni nguvu” – 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”.