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Articles by Jeff Mbanga
How Protection of Sovereignty Bill could leave Uganda’s economy in despair
A billion-dollar industry, on whose existence many ordinary lives are anchored, faces its most potent threat as Uganda prepares to introduce a controversial law that will give the government sweeping powers to determine who can receive money from abroad, the amount they can get, and what that money can do.
DGR’s Kanywataba oil license expires
Australia’s DGR Global Limited recently announced that its exploration license for the Kanywataba oil block in Ntoroko district had expired, with the government of Uganda reclaiming the rights over the area. The company, which has no option of renewing the license after it exhausted the maximum eight-year period that one is allowed to explore for oil under Uganda’s law, said it was looking at different options of how to move ahead with its other oil bloc – the Turaco.
Solar Power now Uganda’s cheapest energy as tariff drops to 5.1 US cents
Overview: Solar’s installed capacity in Uganda, which is generated by seven companies, accounts for just 4% of the total electricity, the second lowest after heavy fuel oil-generated power. The tariff that investors are allowed to charge for the sale of grid-connected solar power in Uganda has dropped to its lowest level since the first plant was commissioned nearly 10 years ago, the government’s regulatory body announced recently.
Power tariffs: Will Umeme’s exit usher in cheaper power?
A his much we know for sure: the amount of money Ugandans pay for electricity triggers all sorts of emotions when being discussed in different public fora. The topic has drawn comments from as high as the president, who, during the state of the nation address of 2021, was quite vocal on the price of electricity.
Electricity distribution shifts from private to public hands
The government of Uganda is committed to meeting Umeme Limited’s buyout amount before the electricity distributor’s concession runs out at the end of March, Ziria Tibalwa Waako, the chief executive officer of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), has said. The payment of the buyout amount will be the last major hurdle in a 20-year concession that will finally see nearly the country’s entire distribution network handed back into the government’s hands.
South Sudan–Uganda power transmission network cost shoots up to $260m - The Observer
The African Development Bank has released a more detailed report of the funding needs for the South Sudan – Uganda power interconnection line, its associated substations and distribution lines, pointing to some key changes in both the cost and design of the project from what Uganda had earlier released.
Hurdles in the transition from Umeme to UEDCL
Overview: To do so, UEDCL needs Shs 4.02 trillion ( just over $1 billion) to finance the operational and capital costs for three years starting April 2025. This revenue requirement will be sourced through the two main components: the power tariff and debt (loans) Where will the money come from?
UEDCL prepares to take Umeme’s space
The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited says it is ready to run Uganda’s power distribution network when Umeme Limited’s 20-year concession expires at the end of March 2025. At a recent public hearing, Paul Mwesigwa, the managing director of UEDCL, said the company has built enough experience within its set up, especially after acquiring five electricity distribution concessions outside Umeme’s operational areas over the last 10 years. He said customer numbers and revenues has grown.
City lawyer Sebugenyi to lead national mining company
James Mukasa Sebugenyi, a partner with S&L Advocates, one of the oldest law firms in Uganda, has been appointed the first chairperson to the board of the Uganda Mining Company. A seasoned lawyer who specialises in litigation and arbitration, Sebugenyi enters an industry that carries a lot of promise amid different dispute over land and mineral rights.
Blencowe signs MOU for new graphite refining company
A new private company will be incorporated in Uganda to refine graphite for use in electric batteries, Blencowe Resources, the developer of the Orom Cross graphite project in the northern Uganda district of Kitgum, has announced. The announcement came after Blencowe Resources signed a memorandum of understanding for the creation of a Joint Venture with a company from Singapore, Triessence Limited, to put up the first graphite beneficiation facility in Uganda, near the Orom Cross project.
UEDCL applies to take up Umeme’s licenses
The transition for Uganda to reclaim all its electricity assets is now fully in play. The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has officially applied to the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) for two different licenses that Umeme Ltd held, taking government a step closer to repossessing all the assets it once possessed before it leased them out to private investors 23 years ago.
Argentine firm to build Uganda’s first nuclear power centre
Argentina’s INVAP-SE has signed a contract with Uganda’s ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to undertake studies that will guide the construction of a centre for nuclear science and technology in Soroti district. The signing comes just over 17 months after INVAP-SE signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Uganda’s government during the Nuclear Business Platform conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Uganda: Oil Pipeline Financial Closure Due Soon - Energy and Minerals Minister
Ruth Nankabirwa, the minister of Energy and Mineral Development, used her second media briefing of the year to raise hope about the progress in Uganda's oil and gas industry, and allay fears over the delay in sourcing the much-needed debt for the construction of a crude oil pipeline, saying the country has entered a delicate period ahead of a major announcement from China in September.
How TotalEnergies is transiting from oil major to energy firm
A TotalEnergies has come full circle. In acquiring Norway’s SN Power, which owns a stake in the Bujagali Hydropower Project, TotalEnergies has moved one step closer to completing its transition from being just an oil and gas major to reinventing itself into a top renewable energy company with the aim of fully going green by 2050.
Bank of Uganda to buy gold from local market
Bank of Uganda has made its first public announcement on its plan to buy gold from the local market, a move that is set to introduce the most credible client for artisanal miners in Uganda. According to the State of the Economy for June 2024, a report that Bank of Uganda released on July 10, the central bank noted that it had decided to buy gold from the local market to beef up its foreign reserves.
Uganda's Debt Burden Leaves Govt With Major Headache
Some of the key targets that Uganda had set as part of its earlier grand plan on stemming the high levels of debt were wide of the mark, compounding an already difficult situation for government technocrats, and leaving ordinary Ugandans at the mercy of fate should any external shock such as Covid-19 re-emerge. Uganda is experiencing unprecedented levels of debt, with the amounts growing at a pace that government had not anticipated.
Uganda’s debt burden leaves govt with major headache
Some of the key targets that Uganda had set as part of its earlier grand plan on stemming the high levels of debt were wide of the mark, compounding an already difficult situation for government technocrats, and leaving ordinary Ugandans at the mercy of fate should any external shock such as Covid-19 re-emerge. Uganda is experiencing unprecedented levels of debt, with the amounts growing at a pace that government had not anticipated.
Beyond the grid: How East Africa is navigating the path to rural electrification
On Sunday, March 24, 2024, the West Nile district of Yumbe recorded scorching temperatures of 34 degrees Celsius. There was no chance of rain in Yumbe that day. Despite the heat wave across the country, this is a staggering 12 degrees above Uganda’s annual average and it can soar even higher, approaching the 40 degrees Celsius mark. While the searing heat has destroyed gardens, the abundant sunshine is a blessing in disguise, as it provides off-grid solar energy for the district.
Uganda, Tanzania agree on new route for gas pipeline
A new route for the proposed gas pipeline from Tanzania to Uganda will form part of the discussions between the two countries when the project’s feasibility study is done, a departure from the earlier suggestion of laying the pipes parallel to the East African Crude Oil pipeline. Ruth Nankabirwa, Uganda’s minister of Energy and Mineral Development, says the two countries have agreed to lay the gas pipes closer to communities to ease access to the product.
Uganda: What Awaits Uganda's Mining Sector in 2024
Uganda is finally putting in place measures to tap into the global demand for critical minerals, which are needed for the smooth transition from fossil fuels to clean energy technologies. For more than three decades, private sector investments in Uganda's mining sector have been low.
What awaits Uganda’s mining sector in 2024
Uganda is finally putting in place measures to tap into the global demand for critical minerals, which are needed for the smooth transition from fossil fuels to clean energy technologies. For more than three decades, private sector investments in Uganda’s mining sector have been low.
Govt changes strategy to salvage oil refinery dream
Uganda’s government has started the process of salvaging its oil refinery dream after it ran out of patience with delays by a consortium of international companies to make a final investment decision for the project. In cutting the Albertine Graben Energy Consortium (AGEC) loose, Uganda’s government has decided to become the main developer of its proposed oil refinery – a fundamental shift from the faith it had in private companies.
South Africa’s COEGA to open up Kabalega Industrial park
Uganda has chosen COEGA Development Corporation, South Africa’s leading Special Economic Zone operator, as its preferred partner for the opening up of the Kabalega Industrial park, which forms part of the oil refinery project. The selection of COEGA is the strongest indication that government is committed to moving ahead with its oil refinery project since it cut ties with the Albertine Graben Energy Consortium at the end of June 2023.
Uganda: 348 MPs Face USA Visa Sanctions
More than 300 members of parliament, and their immediate family members, face travel restrictions to the United States of America for voting in favour of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, according to the latest crackdown.
348 MPs face USA visa sanctions
More than 300 members of parliament, and their immediate family members, face travel restrictions to the United States of America for voting in favour of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, according to the latest crackdown.
Orom graphite project gets $5 million grant
The Development Finance Corporation from the United States of America is now officially the lead mandated funder for the Orom Cross graphite project in Kitgum district after it issued $1 million of the agreed $5 million grant to the project developer Blencowe Resources Plc. The money will cater for part of the costs that Blencowe is incurring as it undertakes a Definitive Feasibility Study to assess the commercial viability of the project.
‘We are open for business’ - Uganda team lobbies energy investors
CAPE TOWN- Uganda’s delegation put up a spirited lobby for investments in the country’s energy sector on the last day of the Africa Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, reinforcing the presence of a conducive and predictable regulatory regime to protect the millions of dollars needed in the oil and gas, mining and electricity industries.
Karuma power dam set for September launch
Karuma hydropower project is on schedule to achieve commercial operations by September this year after the first two units were synchronised on the national grid. The 600MW project, which will be the largest power project in Uganda when it is fully commissioned, has already had two units – one and four – each with 100MW connected to the national grid, 10 years after construction started. Unit three has also been tested and is expected to be synchronised to the national grid soon.
Lenders: Renew Bujagali tax holiday, or tariffs rise
The group of lenders for the Bujagali hydropower project have written to the government of Uganda, warning that should there be any failure to further extend the corporate income tax exemption for the 250MW plant, then electricity tariffs in the country will shoot up.
Uganda to Scrap Take-or-Pay Contracts in Electricity Industry Original
Uganda has scrapped take-or-pay contracts within its electricity industry, a business incentive that has been at the centre of attracting more than $5 billion in the country's power generation segment over the last 15 years.
Uganda to scrap take-or-pay contracts in electricity industry
Uganda has scrapped take-or-pay contracts within its electricity industry, a business incentive that has been at the centre of attracting more than $5 billion in the country’s power generation segment over the last 15 years.
Lessons for Uganda as Ghana nears building nuclear plant
Ghana is narrowing down on the contractor that will build its first nuclear reactor as the West African country vies to become only the second country on the continent with that type of energy connected on its national grid.
Uganda, DR Congo Sign Pact Over Transmission Line
Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are undertaking a feasibility study for the construction of an electricity transmission line from Kasese to Bunia. The feasibility study is expected to be concluded by March 2023, according to our sources, with an inception report already done. The transmission line is meant for Uganda to export excess power from the Nkenda substation in Kasese to eastern DR Congo as the two countries look to deepen trade across the border.
Blencowe sees bright future at Kitgum graphite project
UK junior mining firm Blencowe Resources Limited, which is exploring for graphite in Kitgum district, says it has completed additional tests on the products from its drilling campaign, explaining that it now has a better idea of the commercial potential of its Orom- Cross project.
Ghanaians seek to correct injustice against Uruguay
ACCRA – The streets of Accra – known for their traffic gridlock - were suspiciously quiet on Monday as Ghana took on South Korea in their second football World Cup match in Qatar, which, to many locals here, was a must-win ahead of the explosive meeting with Uruguay on December 2.
Uganda’s oil: what’s the story?
Two months ago, the name Malte Gallee was hardly known within Uganda’s oil industry. Today, the young German member of the European Parliament has become a thorn to many players within the industry after he raised accusations that continue to dent the image of Uganda’s oil project. Now, a number of investors who sit far from the decision-making tables within the industry are worried that Gallee’s campaign will further delay Uganda’s journey to achieving first oil by early 2025.
Makerere scholars historicise humanities, trends and prospects
A group of Makerere University Kampala scholars, in celebrating 100 years of the country’s oldest university, have compiled a book - Historicising the Humanities at Makerere, trends, patterns and prospects – that answer these questions, offering deep analysis about the humanities. The book was launched at Makerere University recently, writes JEFF MBANGA. What are mankind’s values and fears, and how should we connect the dots to understand our history and future in the Ugandan context?
Kasaija avoids new taxes
Finance minister Matia Kasaija delivered a Shs 48.1 trillion budget yesterday that tried to offer hope to a public struggling to make ends meet, and disillusioned by the erratic price increases in the economy.
Tax evaders face huge penalties as Kasaija hunts for revenue
To mobilise money needed to finance the upcoming national budget, Finance minister Matia Kasaija will fall back on an old strategy for guidance - dangle tax incentives to businesses with large capital investments, drag more smaller and informal enterprises into the tax net, and clamp down on those trying to beat the system.
Budget: Kasaija in delicate balancing act amid high debts and low revenue
Finance minister Matia Kasaija will find himself between a rock and a hard place when he lays out his plans for Uganda's economy on national budget day during the second week of June. On the one hand, Kasaija needs to raise taxes to generate the revenue that would be used to run the government and create wealth for households.
What EACOP bill means for Uganda’s oil prospects
The long-awaited Financial Investment Decision for Uganda’s oil industry was announced today, and raised hopes of the country finally benefiting from its resource. However, the oil project will be governed by a strict legal regime, which also shapes how Ugandans will benefit from the oil industry. JEFF MBANGA looked at the EACOP bill and its impact on the industry.
Prof Mutebile defended markets at all costs Original
RIP: Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile There were many moments when Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile’s nerves were put to the test. Moments when the odds appeared heavily stacked against him. Take the sale of Uganda Commercial bank. The bank, then the bellwether of the country’s commercial banking system with nearly 200 branches nationwide, had been weighed down by huge loan defaults, largely precipitated by political interference.
How Cnooc committed to Uganda’s oil industry
Peter Muliisa, the head of legal and corporate affairs at the Uganda National Oil Company looks on as Chen Zhuobiao, the president of Cnooc Uganda Limited, initials some of the key oil project agreements at State House Entebbe in April 2021 Among the major boxes Uganda’s oil industry has ticked so far, is getting China’s Cnooc Limited to approve its investment for the crude oil pipeline project and the Kingfisher oil field, which is being viewed as a huge achievement in the industry, and one...
For Africell and Shoprite, the clock was already ticking
The exodus of international firms out of the Ugandan market in the last six months has sent technocrats at the ministry of Finance scrambling for answers as to why, especially now that the taxman is struggling to beat monthly revenue collection targets. Telecom firm Africell is the latest victim to throw in the towel after South African supermarket chains, Shoprite and Game Stores, also called it quits.
New pipeline law may plug double taxation loopholes
Tanzanian PresidentSuluhu (L) during the state visit ahead of the oil agreement signing ceremony with his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Uganda’s cabinet last week passed the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Bill 2021, putting in place a supreme legal framework that defines key sections of the tax regime for the project, and the rules around how locals will participate in offering goods and services.
Philippe Groueix takes over at TotalEnergies Uganda
September 12, 2021 Written by Jeff Mbanga Philippe Groueix As one of his main duties, Philippe Groueix, the new country manager of TotalEnergies Uganda, will oversee the execution of a more than $5 billion investment in the country as the French oil major races to oil production by the second quarter of 2025. Groueix was introduced virtually to Uganda’s oil industry community on August 25, 2021 for the first time, where he promised to work with everyone to achieve the country’s oil dream.
Finance unveils solutions for 'persistent' domestic arrears
Matia Kasaija To many Ugandans, government has lost the plot on how to effectively run the country’s resources.
Uganda exports to Middle East show no signs of decline
Uganda’s export chart is a complete shadow of its former self from five years ago, with a total evolution of the main export merchandise and their destination, the latest government data shows. The ministry of Finance’s Economic Performance report for June 2021 yet again places the Middle East - a region that hardly made it into the realm of public debate on Uganda’s international trade less than 10 years ago - as the top export destination for the fifth year in a row.
Families to struggle as Covid-19 starts to bite
A number of Ugandans might have benefitted from government’s temporary Shs 58 billion cash relief. But by the time government’s 42-day lockdown ends at the end of July, the majority of the population will feel the pain of the loss of revenue as the effects of the second wave of the coronavirus dig deep, experts predict.
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