Uganda's oil and gas sector is expected to play a significant role in driving the country's industrialisation, economic transformation and socio-economic development.
To deepen the Judiciary's understanding of this strategic sector, the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), in collaboration with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and the National Council of Sports (NCS), organised a three-day field study visit to Uganda's oil and gas operational areas in the Albertine Graben for Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, as well as selected Judges of the High Court.
The Chief Justice, Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, led the Judiciary delegation, which was received at the Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK) by the Institute's Principal, Mr Bernard Ongodia
The visit is intended to provide Judicial Officers with practical exposure to Uganda's petroleum sector, enabling them to better appreciate the operational, regulatory, environmental, labour and community issues that may arise in the administration of justice.
Speaking during the orientation, the Chief Justice welcomed the initiative, saying practical exposure is essential for informed judicial decision-making.
"We should not remain theoretical. It is important that we understand firsthand what is happening in sectors that are critical to the country's development," he said, thanking the partner institutions for their collaboration.
Mr Ongodia said UPIK is a centre of excellence for oil and gas training, serving Uganda and the wider African region. He later led the delegation on a guided tour of the institute's training facilities.
The first day of the field study concluded with a guided tour of the state-of-the-art Hoima City Stadium led by the Chairperson of the National Council of Sports, Mr Ambrose Tashobya. The Judicial Officers also played a friendly football match against Alexo Soccer Academy.
The Chief Justice commended the National Council of Sports for hosting the Judiciary and praised the quality of the stadium, describing it as an international-standard facility that reflects Uganda's investment in modern sports infrastructure.
The Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Dr Michael Atingi-Ego, who is part of the delegation, applauded the development of the stadium and encouraged stakeholders to harness local talent by making full use of such world-class facilities.
Mr Tashobya welcomed the delegation and said the National Council of Sports was honoured to host the Judiciary. He noted that Hoima City Stadium is among the key facilities being developed to support Uganda's preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027), adding that continued investment in sports infrastructure is vital to nurturing talent and promoting national development.
Posted 4th, August 2026
