There are five potential hydrocarbon exploration areas in Uganda: 1. Hoima Basin, 2. L. Kyoga Basin, 3. L. Wamala Basin, 4. Kadam-Moroto Basin 5. The Albertine Graben, Exploration in the Albertine Graben has revealed large amounts of petroleum. A total of 37 exploration wells out of 39 have revealed commercial quantities of oil and gas. Estimated petroleum reserves in Albertine Graben exceed 2 billion barrels; enough to produce 100,000 barrels of oil per day in Uganda for 20 years.
Key interventions being undertaken by Western Uganda FBO Network in response to Oil and Gas Discovery in Uganda effects on natural resources and Human development.
- Build institutions capacity to better understand the oil and gas frameworks such as Petroleum Exploration and Production Department, (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development), Electricity Regulatory Authority National Environment Management Authority Uganda Wildlife Authority, CSOs, FBOs, CBOs and Media fraternity.
- Increase awareness on the policy and legal framework among the citizens such policies include; Oil and Gas Policy, 2008, Energy Policy, 2002Petroleum (Exploration and Production) (Conduct of Exploration Operations) Regulations, 1993.
- Take an innovative transparency and accountability petroleum exploration and production action that increases access to information, particularly the production sharing agreements between Government and the oil companies that is still heavily restricted and controlled.
- Advocate for compensation of communities as well as alternative sites in compensation of areas where oil deposits have been confirmed which have crucial biodiversity values especially for wildlife reserves and native people / indigenous tribe’s minorities.
- Conduct research and follow up the legislature role and process to ensure utilization of resources extraction path and utilization of oil and gas proceeds by the state.
- Champion for alternative livelihood for communities adjacent to exploration and production sites are predominantly engaged in agriculture, fisheries and related activities that are sensitive to effects of oil and gas activities, such as pollution. The livelihoods of these communities need to be protected against the negative impacts of petroleum development in Uganda.