Business 5 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni Awards Medals to Four Key Oil and Gas Experts Ahead of First Oil
President Museveni presented the National Independence Diamond Jubilee Medal to four senior oil and gas technocrats, including PAU's Ali Ssekatawa, during Labour Day celebrations in Buikwe. The honors recognize their crucial work in securing agreements for the Lake Albert project and building the sector's frameworks. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/prosper/why-museveni-honoured-ssekatawa-three-other-oil-and-gas-technocrats-with-medals-5447176
President Yoweri Museveni honored four prominent figures in Uganda’s oil and gas industry with the National Independence Diamond Jubilee Medal at the Labour Day event in Buikwe District on May 1, 2026.
The awardees include Ali Ssekatawa, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), John Bosco Habumugisha from EACOP, Gilbert Kamuntu of UNOC, and Geoffrey Ogwang from the Ministry of Energy. They were commended for their exceptional service and dedication in developing the legal, commercial, and institutional structures for upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
Ssekatawa stood out for his leadership in negotiating vital deals for the Lake Albert Development Project, including Intergovernmental Agreements, Production Sharing Agreements, and Sale and Purchase Agreements. He also contributed to key legislation like the EACOP Special Provisions Act and various regulatory frameworks on environment and taxes.
This recognition underscores the government’s trust in these professionals as Uganda approaches first oil production with projects like Tilenga, Kingfisher, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.
Ssekatawa called the award a great honor, dedicating it to his late mother and crediting his team’s collaborative efforts. Praise came from peers, including the Ntare School Old Boys Association, lawyer Robert Kirunda, and Elison Karuhanga, who highlighted his focus and resilience.