Ugandan Oil Sector Players Defend Continued Local Skilling Amid Job Concerns
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Ugandan oil and gas companies are continuing to train local workers in sector-specific skills, despite concerns about future job availability as major construction phases conclude.
- Companies and the Petroleum Authority of Uganda assert that the imparted technical skills are transferable to other sectors and will remain relevant for several years after production begins.
- Training programs aim to equip 836 beneficiaries, primarily from host districts, with internationally certified skills applicable globally and in national projects like the Standard Gauge Railway.
The ongoing training of Ugandans in the oil and gas sector, even as major construction winds down, highlights a strategic focus on national content development. While some question the long-term job prospects for graduates, industry players and the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) are emphasizing the transferable nature of these skills and their continued relevance.
the skills being imparted will still be needed at the facilities for between two and five years after production has begun.
Rosette Komugisha of TotalEnergies EP Uganda and Solomon Ruyonga of Sinopec International Petroleum Service Co. (Uganda) Ltd., along with PAU's Eric Odong, have robustly defended these initiatives. They argue that the technical expertise gained is not confined to the nascent oil production phase but extends to the operational life of facilities, which could last for decades. Furthermore, these skills are crucial for other national development projects, such as the Standard Gauge Railway, and for Uganda's broader industrialization goals.
the training and the certificates awarded are certified by international bodies, which is why the graduates can be absorbed in industries worldwide.
The international certification of these training programs is a key selling point, as highlighted by Ruyonga. This ensures that Ugandan professionals are competitive not only within the country but also in the wider regional and global job markets. Examples of Ugandans finding similar employment in Namibia underscore this point. The assertion that only 40 percent of the exploration area has been covered also suggests a long-term outlook for the sector, justifying continued skill development.
application of the skills offered by oil and gas training is not limited to the sector but is easily transferable, vital for national industrialisation.
From Uganda's perspective, this focus on skilling is vital for ensuring that the nation reaps maximum benefit from its natural resources. It's about building local capacity, fostering self-sufficiency, and preventing a scenario where foreign expertise dominates. The training program, targeting beneficiaries from host districts, demonstrates a commitment to inclusive development and ensuring that local communities are primary beneficiaries of the oil and gas boom. This contrasts with a Western perspective that might solely focus on immediate economic returns or potential oversupply of labor.
the oil and gas Industry needs very competitive professionals because it is an international one. This is the reason the trainees are equipped to go beyond the certificate they get.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by AllAfrica Uganda in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
More Stories
From Our Blog
What Gets Lost (and Found) When News Is Translated
The Critical Role of Diaspora Media in Global News
What Travellers Should Know About Countries with Restricted Press
A Digital Nomad's Guide to Following Local News
How the Same Story Looks Different in Different Countries
