Judiciary Delegation Tours NEC Waste Management Facility, Commends Uganda's Growing Industrial Capacity in the Oil and Gas Sector

HOIMA, Uganda – August 5, 2026: A high-level delegation from Uganda's Judiciary has commended the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) for its expanding industrial capabilities and growing contribution to the country's oil and gas sector after touring the corporation's state-of-the-art petroleum waste management facility in Kyangwali, Hoima District.

The visit formed part of a week-long familiarisation tour designed to provide judicial officers with a practical understanding of Uganda's rapidly developing petroleum industry and the infrastructure supporting it. The programme is jointly organised by the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and the Bank of Uganda (BoU).

The delegation, led by Chief Justice Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, was received at the facility by Maj. Gen. Sabiti Muzeeyi, General Manager of Luwero Industries Limited (LIL), a subsidiary of NEC. The tour followed earlier visits to Kabalega International Airport and the Kingfisher Development Area, both key components of Uganda's oil and gas development.

A Strategic Investment in Environmental Protection

The NEC Waste Management Facility, operated by Luwero Industries Limited in partnership with China Oil HBP Group, is one of Uganda's most specialised facilities dedicated to the treatment of both solid and liquid petroleum waste generated by oil and gas activities.

During a briefing to the delegation, NEC Managing Director Hon. Lt. Gen. James Mugira explained that the facility represents a strategic national investment in environmental protection and sustainable petroleum development.

Valued at approximately US$6 million, the facility was financed entirely through internally generated resources by the two partners without external funding. Lt. Gen. Mugira noted that the facility was constructed to international environmental standards and has been operational since January 2023, following its commissioning by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

He stressed that effective waste management remains one of the most critical aspects of oil and gas operations because of the hazardous nature of petroleum waste and its potential impact on ecosystems if improperly handled.

"We don't have to re-emphasize the importance of waste management, given its hazardous nature and the potential negative effects on flora and fauna if left unmanaged," Lt. Gen. Mugira told the delegation.

He explained that the facility safely receives, treats and disposes of petroleum waste generated from oil exploration and production activities, ensuring compliance with international environmental and safety standards while protecting communities and the environment.

NEC's Expanding Role Across Uganda's Oil Value Chain

Lt. Gen. Mugira also highlighted NEC's steadily growing footprint across Uganda's oil and gas value chain, demonstrating how the military-owned corporation has diversified beyond traditional defence-related manufacturing into strategic national infrastructure.

Among the latest developments, he revealed that NEC recently signed a contract with UNOC to construct 86 kilometres of internal roads within the Kabalega Industrial Park, a critical component of Uganda's emerging petroleum infrastructure.

He further outlined several major projects already undertaken by NEC subsidiaries, including:

NEC Security Services Limited (NSSL) providing security services for the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

NEC Construction Works and Engineering partnering with China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering (CPP) in the construction of Pump Station One, one of the key facilities along the EACOP route.

Luwero Industries operating the specialised petroleum waste management facility in Kyangwali.

Beyond the petroleum sector, Lt. Gen. Mugira noted that NEC continues to provide specialised waste disposal services at its Nakasongola facilities and has long partnered with the Bank of Uganda in the secure destruction and incineration of decommissioned currency.

He said these investments reflect NEC's commitment to supporting Uganda's industrialisation agenda while providing critical services required for national development.

Judiciary Applauds Local Engineering Excellence

Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija praised the professionalism, innovation and technical capability demonstrated by NEC and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), saying the visit had provided the Judiciary with valuable insight into Uganda's growing industrial capacity.

He particularly commended the work of young Ugandan engineers serving within the armed forces, noting that their expertise was evident in the sophisticated infrastructure showcased during the tour.

"We have young engineers who have joined the forces and can do such a wonderful job," the Chief Justice remarked.

Describing the waste management facility as an impressive industrial complex, Justice Zeija said witnessing the country's technological capabilities firsthand strengthened confidence in Uganda's ability to deliver large-scale infrastructure using local expertise.

"This is a very big industrial complex, and seeing these capacities firsthand reassures us of the local technical progress being made to support the country's economic development."

He also recognised NEC's contribution to other strategic national projects, including the installation of electronic security systems at the High Court in Kampala through NEC Security Services and the manufacture of specialised armoured vehicles at the corporation's Nakasongola facilities.

Strengthening Institutional Understanding of the Oil Sector

The Judiciary's familiarisation programme is intended to deepen understanding among judicial officers of the legal, commercial, environmental and operational aspects of Uganda's oil and gas industry as the country prepares for commercial oil production.

By exposing members of the Judiciary to major petroleum installations and supporting infrastructure, organisers aim to strengthen institutional appreciation of the sector's complexity and strategic importance to Uganda's economy.

The delegation included the Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Justices of the Supreme Court and Justices of the Court of Appeal, reflecting the multi-institutional approach being taken to enhance knowledge of the country's petroleum industry.

The visit to NEC's waste management facility underscored the growing role of indigenous enterprises in supporting Uganda's oil and gas ambitions. From specialised environmental services and infrastructure construction to security and engineering, NEC has positioned itself as one of the country's key local partners in delivering critical projects within the petroleum sector while contributing to broader national industrialisation and economic transformation.