Uganda oil discovery will boost tourism, says experts
By Ibrahim Kasita
Conserving the environment and protecting biodiversity during oil
and gas production will ensure sustainable and value-oriented
economic progress for the current and future generations, experts
have said.
This was at a half-day meeting organised by the Uganda Wildlife
Authority (UWA) for tour operators and other tourism stakeholders
held in Kampala on Tuesday.
The meeting discussed how the tourism industry would embrace the
benefits accruing from the oil and gas industry and find solutions
to counter the negative impacts.
Ambassador Julius Onen, trade permanent secretary, in a speech read
by Sam Mwandha, the UWA conservation director, said much of the oil
discoveries occur in protected areas.
"While the discovery is exciting for the country, the overlap of the
oil with the protected areas which are prime tourism destinations
poses a challenge.".
"We are reliably informed that lucrative discoveries have been made
in Buligi area within Murchison Falls National Park and test- drilling is about
to commence at Queen Elizabeth National Park," he said.
There is also oil within the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve and Kaiso-Tonya Community
Wildlife Area.
Mwandha said oil exploration and development should be conducted in a manner
that least destroys the wildlife resources upon which the tourism industry is
based.
Uganda's tourism industry is among the leading foreign exchange earners
contributing 4% of the net gross domestic product. Total revenue earnings rose
to $589m last year from $548m in 2007.
"A proactive approach is required so that the country can benefit from both
resources," Dozith Abeinomugisha, the senior geologist in the petroleum
exploration and production department at the energy ministry, noted.
Fred Kabanda, the principle geologist from the same department, said development
of oil and gas sector is expected to generate revenue which will increase with
the level of production.
"Management of revenues to facilitate sustainable development and avoid
destruction of the economy will require well-defined efforts," he said.
The National Environment Management Authority, Uganda Wildlife Authority,
Directorate of Water Development and Fisheries Department are responsible for
protecting natural heritage.
The New Vision
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