Uganda Petroleum Authority Signs MOU with Tanzania, Zanzibar Regulatory Authorities.
The Petroleum Authority of Uganda on June 17,2025, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority of Tanzania and Zanzibar petroleum Regulatory Authority (ZPRA) to enhance the oil and gas industry among the member states.
The Chairperson Board of Directors at Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Ms. Lynda Biribonwa believes that the signed tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) will enable the three member states to cooperate in areas of petroleum resource management, cost monitoring and management, national content development and capacity building and knowledge exchange among other areas.
While speaking to the media in Entebbe shortly after signing the memorandum of understanding, Ms. Lynda Biribonwa, said the MOU marks the beginning of a mutual cooperation between sister institutions within member countries as well as ensuring development among member states.
Ms. Biribonwa stressed the importance of regional cooperation revealing that the East African region is one of the most prolific frontier areas for oil and gas exploration and development. She added that the collaboration among the oil regulators is very crucial in leveraging on the existing expertise and resources since the sector is technologically driven and capital intense nature.
Ms. Biribonwa, who was delighted to signing the memorandum of understanding said: ” I’m grateful we have signed this MOU and we take forward those areas of cooperation for mutual benefit for our countries and sister institutions, ‘Ms Biribonwa said.’
The Chairman Board of Directors for the Tanzania Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority, Mr. Halfani R.Halfani, reflected on the long standing informal relationship between Uganda and Tanzania in the oil and gas sector and challenged member states to formalize it so that it becomes sustainable and vibrant.
“This MOU will facilitate sharing best practices so that the region can maintain capacity to bring more investments in the region, Mr. Halfani expressed hope.’
The Director General Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority of Tanzania, Mr. Charles Sangweni, revealed that the MOU was meant to be signed in March last year but unfortunately, it was postponed due to reasons beyond their control. However, he is optimistic the signed MOU will go a long way to strengthen bonds and relationships between member states.
Mr. Sangweni expressed optimism for the broader regional cooperation including potential future agreements with other East African nations, starting with Kenya.
“The collaboration in the inked MOU is expected to foster shared growth and expertise, aligning with the regional proverb, “Umoja ni nguvu literally translated into “Unity is strength “.
Mr. Muhammad Saidi, the Managing Director Zanzibar petroleum Regulatory Authority (ZPRA), is hopeful that the signed MOU will enable member states learn from each other in a number of aspects related to oil and gas sector on top of easing data management.
Meanwhile, the visiting delegation to Uganda is expected to tour the Uganda’s oil and gas operational areas in the Albertine Graben to gain some insights on its progress as Uganda prepares for First Oil exploration.
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