On June 17, 2025, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) formalized a landmark partnership with the Zanzibar Petroleum Regulatory Authority (ZPRA) and Tanzania’s Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) by signing a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in the East African oil and gas sector.
The agreement, signed in Entebbe, marks a significant step toward enhanced regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among the three regulatory bodies.
Ms. Lynda Biribonwa, Chairperson of PAU’s Board, emphasized the strategic importance of the region as a burgeoning frontier for oil and gas exploration and development.
She noted that cooperation is essential to leverage expertise and resources in this highly specialized and capital-intensive industry
Key areas covered by the MOU include petroleum resource management, cost monitoring, health and safety standards, environmental protection, national content development, and technical capacity building. Ms. Biribonwa expressed optimism that the partnership would yield mutual benefits for the countries and institutions involved.
PURA’s Board Chair Mr. Halfani R. Halfani highlighted the need to formalize the long-standing informal collaboration between Uganda and Tanzania to ensure sustainability and attract investment to the region. Meanwhile, Mr. Muhammed S. Said, Managing Director of ZPRA, underscored the value of pooling resources to drive the industry forward collectively.
Mr. Charles J. Sangweni, PURA’s Director General, revealed that discussions for the MOU began a year ago and expressed hope for expanded cooperation with other East African nations, starting with Kenya. The agreement is expected to foster shared growth, expertise, and unity—echoing the regional proverb, “Umoja ni nguvu” (unity is strength)
The signing ceremony was followed by a tour of Uganda’s oil and gas operational sites in the Albertine Graben, providing the visiting delegation with firsthand insight into Uganda’s preparations for First Oil.
This tripartite MOU represents a transformative milestone in East Africa’s petroleum industry, promising to enhance regional energy security and economic development through coordinated regulation and cooperation.
