The Government of Uganda has announced plans to introduce a Bill aimed at addressing environmental concerns arising from oil and gas activities, as the country prepares for oil production.

This National Environment Management Bill, seeks tighter measures on pollution and wastes in the oil sector which have not been specified in existing laws governing the industry.

“The Bill will deal with the environment aspects of the oil and gas sector and provide for stronger measures for environmental management,” Christine Akello (photo), the deputy director of the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) said.

According to Akello, the Bill which has been formulated but yet to be approved by the ministry would have requirements on prevention and control against acute pollution and management of environmental disasters.

Uganda is getting ready to start commercial oil production in 2020 and with proven crude oil reserves of 6.5 billion barrels, the commencement of oil production will make Uganda become one of the world’s top 50 oil producers.

However, the effects of oil activities on the environment have been a major concern for government and agencies. The main law governing the oil sector; the Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Act 2013, already made provisions for several protections on oil waste disposal and pollution.

Several sections of the law recommend control of the flow, and prevention of petroleum waste or discharge into the environment.

The Act requires that the management, production, transportation, storage, treatment and disposal of waste from petroleum activities must be performed in line with environmental principles and safeguards set under the National Environment Management Act and other applicable laws, New Vision Uganda reports.

Anita Fatunji