The Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni has indicated the country’s plans to invest in the Dangote Group’s proposed $17 billion regional oil refinery aimed at strengthening industrial growth and improving energy security across East Africa.
In a statement released by the State House, Museveni made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote, who presented the refinery proposal.
Museveni said the refinery would support wider efforts to promote regional integration, increase local value addition, and drive industrial development across the continent.
He also urged African countries to reduce dependence on raw material exports by investing in local processing industries that can create jobs and support economic growth.
The statement noted that the refinery could cost between $15 billion and $17 billion and would have the capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The project is expected to supply fuel to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other regional markets.
Dangote said discussions with governments in the region are still ongoing and confirmed that Tanga, Mombasa, and Lamu are among the locations being considered for the refinery.
“This continues the discussions we started with regional leaders in Nairobi, Kenya. We want to build a refinery that can meet East Africa’s rising energy demand,” Dangote said.
The regional refinery plans come as Uganda moves closer to its first oil production, with development activities at the Kingfisher Oil Field approaching completion.
