Understanding the Real Progress and Challenges Ahead

In a recent unfolding surrounding the Uganda Refinery Project, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has stepped forward to address and correct certain inaccuracies reported in an article by the New Vision Newspaper on March 28th, 2024.

The article, titled "MUSEVENI ORDERS RENEWAL OF REFINERY CONTRACT," suggested that the Albertine Graben Energy Consortium (AGEC) had successfully met all the required milestones as per the Project Framework Agreement (PFA) and was moving towards the Final Investment Decision (FID) with confidence.

However, the Ministry wishes to shed light on the actual situation, stating that AGEC did not meet several crucial deliverables within the stipulated deadlines, leading to the termination of the agreement on June 30th, 2023. This development underscores the complexities and stringent requirements involved in such a significant national project.

Key Areas of Concern:

• Financial Commitments: AGEC did not secure commitment letters from lenders for the full amount of required debt before reaching the FID.

• Equity Investment: There were no signed commitment letters from equity investors, raising concerns about the financial robustness of the project.

• Environmental and Social Oversight: The crucial Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) remains incomplete, delaying further project milestones.

• Project Pricing and Viability: The absence of a submitted lump sum turnkey price for the project and the execution of a Commercial Viability Assessment (CVA) are significant red flags.

• Advisory and Procurement: The procurement of a qualified financial advisor and other procedural requirements were not met, indicating gaps in project management and oversight.

Moving Forward:

The Ministry encourages AGEC to engage with the new investor group to explore possible participation under a new arrangement. This approach aims to inject fresh momentum into the project, ensuring that it aligns with Uganda's energy sector goals and provides tangible benefits to the Ugandan people.

The Uganda Refinery Project is a cornerstone of the nation's energy infrastructure development strategy. While challenges remain, the government's commitment to transparency, due diligence, and strategic partnerships is unwavering. Stakeholders are urged to rely on official communications for accurate updates and to support the collaborative effort towards energy self-sufficiency.