Judicial officers gain first-hand insight into Uganda’s petroleum infrastructure as NEC showcases its $6 million waste management facility and expanding role in the country’s oil and gas sector.
HOIMA, Uganda — August 5, 2026
Uganda’s Judiciary has praised the country’s rapidly expanding industrial and engineering capabilities after touring the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Waste Management Facility in Kyangwali, describing the investment as a major milestone in supporting the country’s fast-growing oil and gas industry.
The delegation, led by Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, visited the facility as part of a week-long familiarisation tour of Uganda’s petroleum sector aimed at helping judicial officers gain a practical understanding of the country’s strategic oil and gas investments and the legal issues surrounding them.
The specialised facility, operated by NEC through its subsidiary Luwero Industries Limited (LIL) in partnership with China Oil HBP Group, is designed to safely treat both solid and liquid petroleum waste generated from Uganda’s oil activities, making it one of the country’s most important environmental protection investments in the energy sector.
The judicial team was received by the General Manager of Luwero Industries, Maj. Gen. Sabiti Muzeeyi, who guided the delegation through the operations of the facility and explained its role in ensuring environmentally responsible petroleum production.
The visit formed part of a broader programme jointly organised by the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Bank of Uganda (BoU). Before arriving at the waste management plant, the delegation had toured Kabalega International Airport and the Kingfisher Development Area, giving members of the Judiciary a comprehensive picture of the country’s oil infrastructure.
Addressing the visitors, NEC Managing Director Lt. Gen. James Mugira said proper waste management remains one of the most critical pillars of a sustainable petroleum industry because of the potentially harmful effects hazardous waste can have on both people and the environment if not properly handled.
He revealed that the US$6 million facility was fully financed using internally generated resources by NEC and its partners, demonstrating the corporation’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s industrialisation agenda. He added that the plant has been operational since January 2023 after being commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni and was built to international standards.
Lt. Gen. Mugira further highlighted NEC’s growing contribution across Uganda’s oil value chain, noting that the corporation recently signed a contract with UNOC to construct 86 kilometres of internal roads within Kabalega Industrial Park. He also said NEC Security Services is providing security for the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), while NEC Construction Works & Engineering previously partnered with CPP to construct Pump Station One.
Beyond the petroleum sector, Lt. Gen. Mugira explained that NEC also manages other specialised waste disposal services in Nakasongola and has partnered with the Bank of Uganda in the secure destruction of decommissioned currency, reflecting the corporation’s expanding role in supporting critical national institutions.
Speaking after the tour, Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija applauded NEC and the UPDF for investing in local engineering talent and developing sophisticated industrial capabilities capable of delivering nationally significant projects.
He praised the professionalism displayed throughout the visit and said witnessing the facilities firsthand had strengthened confidence in Uganda’s technical expertise and industrial future.
The Chief Justice also commended NEC’s work on major national infrastructure, including electronic security installations at the High Court and specialised armoured vehicle manufacturing, saying these achievements demonstrate that Ugandan engineers possess the knowledge and skills needed to drive the country’s economic transformation.
He described the Kyangwali facility as a symbol of Uganda’s industrial progress, noting that such investments will be essential in ensuring the country’s oil resources are developed responsibly while protecting the environment and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The delegation included Bank of Uganda Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, Justices of the Supreme Court and members of the Court of Appeal, underscoring the importance of equipping judicial leaders with a deeper appreciation of the country’s strategic investments as Uganda prepares for commercial oil production.
The visit reinforced the growing collaboration between key state institutions and highlighted the Judiciary’s commitment to understanding the technical, environmental and economic realities surrounding Uganda’s oil and gas industry—knowledge expected to strengthen informed judicial decision-making as the sector continues to expand.
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