Uganda’s oil and gas industry recently welcomed a high-profile visit from Dr. Riverson Oppong, the Africa Regional Director (ARD) of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). Dr. Oppong engaged with key industry stakeholders, shared his inspiring vision for SPE, and participated in events that celebrated Uganda’s growing prominence in the oil and gas sector. Here’s a detailed recap of this remarkable visit.
Dr. Oppong kicked off his visit on 25 November 2024 with a courtesy visit to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) where he met with Executive Director Ernest Rubondo to discuss opportunities for strategic collaboration and technical capacity building. At CNOOC International Uganda Ltd., the delegation held discussions with Vice President Mr. Hu Weijie, focusing on shared HR objectives and advancing technical competencies within the industry. Meanwhile, the visit to Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) included discussions with Mr. Philips Obita, UNOC’s General Manager of Upstream, emphasizing partnerships to bolster SPE’s outreach and support the growth of Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
On 26 November, Dr. Oppong participated in the 9th Uganda International Oil and Gas Summit (UIOGS), themed “Oil & Gas as a Driver for Regional and National Economic Growth.” Moderating a vibrant panel discussion, Dr. Oppong and the panelists explored how Uganda’s oil sector could catalyze GDP growth, create employment opportunities, and fund critical development projects like infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The discussion also highlighted the potential of oil revenues to serve as a foundation for economic diversification into sectors such as manufacturing, transport, and renewable energy. The session emphasized the need for cross-border collaboration, capacity building, and strategic investments to ensure shared prosperity and mitigate resource dependency.
On 27 November, the SPE delegation paid a courtesy visit to TotalEnergies EP Uganda, where they were warmly received by the Country Director and team. The discussions centered on advancing technical knowledge-sharing initiatives, including webinars led by TotalEnergies experts, and mentorship programs aimed at supporting young professionals in Uganda’s energy sector. Philippe Groueix, the General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to sustainable energy development and nurturing the next generation of engineers.
The highlight of the day was the Professional Townhall held at CNOOC Uganda, where seasoned experts and young professionals gathered to exchange ideas on Uganda’s oil and gas future. Organized by the SPE Uganda Section, the event featured a keynote speech from Dr. Oppong, who encouraged members to embrace active participation and volunteerism as a means of truly belonging to the SPE community. The evening also included a networking dinner that fostered collaboration and camaraderie among industry leaders and budding engineers. Dr. Oppong expressed pride in the SPE Mbarara University of Science and Technology Student Chapter, celebrating its growing international reputation as a standout student initiative.
Throughout the week, Dr. Oppong highlighted the value of paid and active SPE memberships. His humorous observation that being on an SPE WhatsApp group does not make someone a member inspired many attendees to renew their memberships and recruit others to join.
Dr. Oppong’s visit concluded with an exciting announcement of his return to Uganda for the SASTCE MUST Event in March 2025. Under his guidance, the SPE Uganda Section is poised to deepen its impact, foster innovation, and contribute to sustainable energy solutions for the region. Stay tuned for more updates and events that support Uganda’s energy future!
Total Energies EP Uganda recently celebrated a transformative milestone with the 10th anniversary of the TotalEnergies EP Uganda CSR Scholarship Programme. This initiative, launched in 2013, has empowered over 327 scholars from the Tilenga Project host communities and beyond, creating a ripple effect of hope, opportunity, and progress.
The scholarship programme has been a game-changer, shaping the lives of young Ugandans by enabling them to pursue dreams that would have otherwise been unattainable. From engineers and doctors to community leaders and changemakers, these scholars embody the resilience, determination, and potential of Uganda’s youth.
Anita Badagawa, the SPE Uganda Programs Chairperson, who was a panelist at the anniversary celebration, emphasized the critical role of STEM education in driving Uganda’s energy future. She highlighted how the scholarships have provided young people with the skills and knowledge to innovate, solve technical challenges, and build sustainable systems. “These scholarships are not just about funding education,” Anita said. “They are about creating opportunities, nurturing potential, and empowering young people to become leaders in Uganda’s energy industry. Through STEM, we are unlocking a brighter future for our nation.” Her words reflect the core of the scholarship programme’s mission—to bridge the gap in technical expertise needed for Uganda’s burgeoning oil and gas sector while fostering the growth of a capable, local workforce.
For Crispus Irumba, Public Relations Officer of SPE Uganda section, the 10th anniversary of the scholarship program is personal. As one of the many beneficiaries whose life has been transformed by the initiative, Crispus shared his gratitude and pride during the celebration. He highlighted the stories of resilience and perseverance featured in the newly launched TotalEnergies EP Uganda CSR Scholarship Publication—a collection of narratives from scholars whose lives have been forever changed. “These stories are a testament to what education and opportunity can achieve,” Crispus said. “From transforming family futures to impacting entire communities, the ripple effects of this program are immeasurable. Many of us are now giving back to society, inspired by the same program that lifted us.” This publication, which is available online, serves as a tribute to the achievements of the scholars and an inspiration for others. It captures the essence of a decade-long journey, driven by passion, vision, and a commitment to creating a better future for Uganda.
STEM education is at the heart of the scholarship programme’s success. By investing in disciplines like petroleum engineering, geosciences, and data science, the initiative is equipping Ugandan youth with the tools they need to lead in an increasingly competitive and innovation-driven world.
Congratulations to TotalEnergies EP Uganda on this remarkable milestone, and here’s to many more years of empowering Ugandan youth to reach their full potential!
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section recently hosted its inaugural Art Therapy Networking Event, blending the benefits of art therapy with the opportunity to foster meaningful professional connections. Set in a relaxed and open environment, this event provided participants with a much-needed break from the intensity of the oil and gas industry, offering a space where professionals could unwind and express their creativity while networking with peers.
In this unique event, professionals gathered to engage in art therapy, a creative process designed to promote relaxation and mindfulness. Many of the participants, coming from high-pressure roles within the energy sector, relished the chance to express themselves artistically while forming new professional relationships in a non-traditional setting. The combination of art and networking proved to be a refreshing and innovative way to break down barriers and encourage open dialogue.
The Art Therapy Networking Event showcased SPE Uganda’s commitment to not only fostering technical and professional development but also ensuring the well-being of its members. By organizing events like this, SPE Uganda emphasizes the importance of mental wellness in the workplace, recognizing that a balanced professional life includes moments of reflection and self-care.
A special thank you goes to Paula Rosario (Oil and Gas Regional HR Manager), Gideon Kibirige (Chairperson of SPE Uganda), and Kato Obadiah (Director at SPE Uganda), who generously sponsored their mentees, enabling them to attend and engage with a diverse group of industry professionals. Their support exemplifies the power of mentorship within the SPE community, where experienced professionals actively invest in the growth and development of future industry leaders.
SPE Uganda’s Art Therapy Networking Event is just one of many initiatives aimed at building a vibrant and supportive professional community. Whether you are an established professional or an emerging leader in the oil and gas sector, SPE offers a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and events tailored to your growth and success.
To be part of this dynamic, global network of professionals, join SPE today! Membership opens the door to a host of benefits, including access to exclusive content, events, and a platform for continuous professional development. Don’t miss out on your chance to connect, learn, and grow with the industry’s best.
The success of the Art Therapy Networking Event reflects SPE Uganda’s ongoing commitment to fostering professional growth while emphasizing the importance of personal well-being. We look forward to many more events that bring together industry professionals to create, connect, and lead the way forward in the energy sector.