UNOC, Vision Group discuss oil sector development partnership

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As the country gets closer to oil production commencement, the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has expressed interest in strengthening its partnership with Vision Group to enhance public awareness and understanding of Uganda’s oil and gas sector.

During a courtesy visit to Vision Group headquarters in Industrial Area on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, UNOC’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Tony Otoa, emphasised the importance of collaboration between the media and the oil industry to ensure that accurate, simplified, and impactful information reaches the public.

Tony Otoa- Chief Corporate Affairs, UNOC. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

“When you published the UNOC at 10 supplement in the New Vision, it was a fantastic way to highlight what each department at UNOC is doing,” Otoa said.

“But we can do more. Once we continue this conversation, we can reach a higher level of collaboration that benefits both the sector and the public.”

Herbert Ssempogo, senior Corporate Affairs Officer UNOC, making a presentation. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Yiga Herbert Ssempogo, Senior Corporate Affairs Officer at UNOC, who made a detailed presentation about the various oil projects, said so much progress has been made by the various stakeholders in the journey towards oil production commencement.

“There are 420 wells at Tilenga and Kingsfisher. Out of the 170 wells required to be drilled for oil production to commence, a total of 155 wells have been drilled. The sector is increasingly creating so many opportunities for Ugandans,” Ssempogo stated.

Ssempogo said the oil resource will greatly boost Uganda’s economy, noting that the upstream (exploration and extraction) projects alone will lead to investments of more than $20b.

Vision Group head of sales, Hope Nuwagaba. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Suzan Nambuusi Kayanja, Vision Group’s sales manager, explained to UNOC that Uganda’s oil and gas sector, though advancing steadily, remains complex and highly technical, which makes it difficult for many people to fully appreciate its progress and opportunities.

“It’s a very complex sector, and that complexity makes it sometimes difficult to communicate at the right level. While technical presentations are easy to grasp at the Petroleum Authority or the Ministry, we must learn to simplify them when communicating with the general public,” she said.

Otoa noted that UNOC has deliberately invested in simplifying public communication about the industry — including terms such as local content and first oil — so that ordinary Ugandans can understand their significance.

“We’ve tried to simplify these conversations — what does local content mean, what does first oil mean — and this cannot be a one-off. It’s something we must do continuously,” Otoa said.

He added that clear and consistent communication is vital in building public trust and ensuring that Ugandans see themselves as active participants in the country’s oil and gas story.

“Simplifying oil and gas information is super important,” Otoa emphasised. “When people understand, they engage better, support better, and benefit more from what this industry has to offer.”

Vision Group’s Business Development Manager, Jackie Taweeka (right). (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Vision Group’s Business Development Manager, Jackie Taweeka, welcomed UNOC’s initiative and highlighted potential areas of collaboration. She noted that both institutions share a common goal of promoting transparency, sustainability, and public education about Uganda’s economic growth sectors.

“We see great opportunities in partnering with UNOC, especially in creating awareness around sustainability, national content, and the economic potential of Uganda’s oil and gas sector,” Taweeka said.

Michael Ssebowa, Editor, Bukedde newspaper (Right). (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

[13:13, 05/11/2025] +256 702 472696: A delegation from Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) led by the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Tony Otoa have this morning paid a courtesy visit to Vision Group. [13:15, 05/11/2025] +256 702 472696: Tony Otoa- Chief Corporate Affairs, UNOC 👆 [13:17, 05/11/2025] +256 702 472696: Angela Ndagano, Senior communications,UNOC 👆🏾 [13:18, 05/11/2025] +256 702 472696: Edna Mubiru, Content Manager, Business hub. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

The meeting marked the beginning of a renewed partnership between UNOC and Vision Group — one aimed at bridging information gaps, amplifying local participation, and promoting Uganda’s progress toward achieving its first oil milestone.

Vision Group Deputy Editor in Chief, Felix Osike (left), interacting with the visiting UNOC officials. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Vision Group Editor in Chief, Barbara Kaija, having a chat with the visiting UNOC team. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)