Discovery of billions of barrels of oil in Uganda will change the economy – and UCU will play a role.

Recent discovery of vast oil reserves in Uganda spells opportunity and risk for Uganda’s fragile economy and social sector.  Oil surely can bring billions of dollars of revenue to Uganda and the Industry anticipates 10,000 jobs will be created in coming years.  

Doug led UCU’s initial effort to contact and work with Industry representatives and Government officials to determine what sort of training, programs, and research UCU could responsibly provide to this emerging sector.

It is unlikely that UCU would quickly supply geologists, engineers, and other technicians who work directly on oil exploration.  However, there is a vast and unmet need for business leaders, accountants, lawyers, community development specialist, and environmental health and science workers.  It is in those latter areas where UCU can and should play a role.

Doug helped assemble a task force and UCU is designing programs that would help in this area.