By George Busiinge

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today launched an oil rig that is meant to drill the crude oil from underground. The ceremony took place in Buhuka Parish, Kyangwali Sub County, in Kikuube District.

Different dignitaries from Uganda, Tanzania and China attended.

The construction of the oil rig began late last year; marking the beginning of the country’s oil journey that is expected to last for over 25 years.

As the chief guest, Museveni congratulated the country for reaching such a milestone. He has further asked the people of Bunyoro to look into agriculture in order to tap into the oil Industry.

He has however asked people to stop cutting forests especially Bugoma forest which he says has been depleted.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, has revealed that they have fulfilled all international requirements to make sure that the oil industry is a success.

She has gone ahead to say that the East African Crude Oil Pipeline is ongoing with different works in Tanzania and Uganda and most PAP’s have been compensated.

The Chinese Ambassador to Uganda,  Zheng Zhuqiang,  and the Tanzanian Ambassador to Uganda, Aziz Ponary Milma were present.

Milma, who represented the Tanzanian energy minister thanked Museveni for working with their respective countries to make sure that the oil industry is a success.