Uganda Debates Methane Regulations Ahead of First Oil Production

The Ugandan government is facing a debate over how to regulate methane emissions from the oil and gas sector as the country prepares for its first oil production. According to a draft Methane Emissions Abatement Roadmap, oil and gas operators would be required to avoid routine flaring and venting of gas unless authorized by the Petroleum Authority of Uganda in consultation with the National Environment Management Authority.

Caroline Aguti, Assistant Commissioner for Health, Safety and Environment at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, said that Uganda's approach should focus on building a responsible and low-emission energy sector rather than waiting until production starts.

A September 2025 study commissioned by NRGI found that although Uganda has institutions and laws governing the petroleum sector, the existing legal framework does not provide specific guidelines for methane emissions reduction. The study recommended that Uganda establish dedicated regulations and incentives before commercial oil production begins.

Predictions show that methane emissions from Uganda's oil and gas sector could rise significantly once production begins, with a business-as-usual scenario indicating an increase of nearly 95 percent by 2040.