Tanzania and Uganda are pushing ahead with discussions on cross-border oil and gas infrastructure, with talks in Kampala focusing on projects that could reshape the movement and supply of energy in the region.
The two countries are discussing the implementation of a clean petroleum products pipeline, a Marine Storage Terminal at the Port of Tanga and plans to transport natural gas from Tanzania to Uganda.
The projects were discussed on Thursday, September 17, during a meeting between Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy responsible for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dr James Mataragio, and his Ugandan counterpart, Ireni Paulene Bateebe.
Dr Mataragio said the meeting focused on how the two countries could move the projects from plans to implementation while strengthening cooperation in the energy sector.
The discussions are significant for Tanzania as the country seeks to position Tanga as a regional energy hub serving both domestic and neighbouring markets.
The proposed infrastructure would also strengthen Tanzania’s role as an energy gateway for landlocked countries, particularly through the Port of Tanga.
The Marine Storage Terminal is expected to support the handling and storage of petroleum products, while the proposed clean petroleum products pipeline could provide another channel for moving fuel within the region.
For Uganda, which relies heavily on imported petroleum products, stronger infrastructure links with Tanzania could provide an additional supply route and improve the movement of fuel.
The two governments are also considering a natural gas supply arrangement that would allow Tanzania to export gas to Uganda.
The proposal would open another potential market for Tanzania’s natural gas resources while giving Uganda access to gas that could support industrial and other energy needs.
Dr Mataragio said the outcome of the meeting reflected the commitment of both governments to ensuring that their joint energy projects are implemented efficiently.
The talks also come as Tanzania continues to develop infrastructure around Tanga to strengthen its position in the regional energy market.
During their visit to Uganda, the Tanzanian delegation also attended the launch of the Kampala Storage Terminal, a petroleum storage facility that forms part of Uganda’s efforts to strengthen its fuel storage infrastructure.
Dr Mataragio was accompanied by Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) Managing Director Mussa Makame and the Ministry of Energy’s Petroleum Commissioner, Godluck Shirima.
The latest talks underscore the growing importance of cross-border energy infrastructure as Tanzania and Uganda seek to improve energy security, expand markets and strengthen economic links between the two countries.