As Uganda edges closer to first oil production, a quiet battle over methane emissions is emerging, raising fundamental questions about regulation, accountability, and whether the country can balance development with climate responsibility. The Uganda methane emissions challenge came into sharp focus at a recent forum hosted by the Natural Resources Governance Institute and the Civil Society Coalition on Oil and Gas in Kampala. In a conference room filled with regulators, scientists, and environmental advocates, methane emerged as one of the most consequential issues facing the country’s nascent petroleum industry.
Methane remains largely absent from public debate about Uganda’s oil sector. Discussions typically focus on pipelines, revenues, and economic transformation. Yet this colorless, odorless gas is one of the most powerful greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. If uncontrolled, oil production can release significant quantities. The Uganda methane emissions question now confronts policymakers earlier than many oil-producing nations faced similar challenges.
Regulatory Framework Dilemma
The policy dilemma centers on how Uganda should regulate methane. Unlike carbon dioxide, methane emissions cut across multiple economic sectors including agriculture, waste management, and fossil fuel production. Caroline Aguti, Assistant Commissioner in the Health, Safety, and Environment Division at the Ministry of Energy, outlined the strategic choice facing officials. “We need to agree whether we develop a methane-specific regulatory framework for oil and gas, or whether we regulate methane emissions across the entire country,” she said.
This decision will shape Uganda’s climate governance for decades. Sector-specific regulations could enable tighter oversight of oil operations. A comprehensive national framework would address methane from all sources simultaneously. The Uganda methane emissions debate is complicated by existing emissions from landfills, livestock farming, and traditional cooking fuels occurring before oil production begins.
Monitoring Capacity Gaps
Accurately measuring methane requires sophisticated equipment, trained specialists, and complex monitoring systems. These resources remain limited in Uganda. Aguti candidly acknowledged the capacity challenge during the forum. “I thought we were here to discuss that we have got a consultant who is supported by the Natural Resource Governance Institute that is going to do a strategy for us.” Her remark revealed that Uganda currently lacks a methane abatement strategy or roadmap.
The monitoring gap extends beyond government to civil society organizations expected to hold companies accountable. “We need capacity,” Aguti said. “But even the people who want to whip us may not actually have the capacity to be able to whip us properly.” The Uganda methane emissions issue thus involves building technical expertise across multiple stakeholder groups simultaneously.
International Obligations
Uganda’s methane debate connects to international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The country submitted a Nationally Determined Contribution outlining plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Derek Ssenyonga from the Climate Change Department at the Ministry of Water and Environment said coordination between government agencies is already underway. Sector working groups compile data from across the economy for national climate reports.
However, Ssenyonga warned that compliance will prove critical. “If institutions or sectors fail to implement mitigation actions, the country risks missing the emission targets it has committed to globally.” For Uganda, which contributes only a small fraction of global emissions, the stakes are partly diplomatic. Climate commitments increasingly link to international funding, technology transfers, and development partnerships.
Current Monitoring Systems
Despite concerns about capacity, environmental authorities say monitoring systems are already being introduced. Jane Rose Atwongyeire, Senior Environment Inspector for Oil and Gas at the National Environment Management Authority, explained that oil companies submit regular environmental reports. Monthly progress reports come from international oil companies, plus quarterly and annual reports detailing environmental performance. Regulators also access real-time environmental monitoring systems installed at project sites.
Owor Domisiano, Environment Officer at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, offered insight into technical and legal measures being implemented. “We monitor oil and gas activities to ensure compliance with national laws and regulations. We regulate it for you,” he said. Owor stressed that monitoring systems operate during the development phase, not just after production begins. The Uganda methane emissions question is being addressed even before first oil reaches market.
Emission Sources Clarified
Owor explained the distinction between emission types crucial for accountability. “You have direct emissions, scope one, which you are fully responsible for, and indirect emissions, scope two and three, which you influence but may not control.” He emphasized the importance of avoiding double-counting when calculating emissions. Methane contributes approximately 40 percent of the oil and gas sector’s emissions, making it a priority for reduction strategies.
A further distinction separates biogenic methane from decomposing organic matter, currently the largest source, from thermogenic methane from oil operations. “That is what we manage through technology and regulations,” Owor clarified. The Uganda methane emissions challenge requires addressing both natural and industrial sources through different approaches.
Civil Society Demands
Bashir Twesigye, Chairperson of the Civil Society Coalition on Oil and Gas, argued that methane management cannot be left to government or companies alone. “This is not just a technical exercise. It is a strategic process that requires collaboration between government, companies, civil society, and academia.” He highlighted persistent data problems, with reliable emissions information scarce across many economic sectors. Universities and research institutions must play larger roles in producing independent scientific evidence.
The Uganda methane emissions debate also touches on climate justice. Aguti voiced frustration shared by many African policymakers. “We are a low emitter globally. To raise our climate ambitions requires resources, resources that many developed countries are not always willing to provide.” This tension between historical emitters and emerging producers underlies technical discussions about monitoring and regulation.
Project-Specific Measures
Uganda’s key oil projects are progressing rapidly. The Tilenga project, operated by TotalEnergies alongside the Uganda National Oil Company, and the Kingfisher project led by CNOOC both advance toward production. Environmental impact assessments found that approximately 97 percent of emissions would come from power generation during operations. Projects have been designed to use excess gas to produce liquefied petroleum gas rather than flaring.
Owor stressed the government’s commitment to responsible development. “As a country, we are committed to oil and gas development, but responsibly. You can keep us on check, but you won’t be able to stop production.” Drones equipped with methane and CO₂ sensors now patrol development sites, documenting fugitive emissions and enabling rapid interventions. The Uganda methane emissions monitoring system aims for transparency and effectiveness.
Shared Responsibility
Owor concluded with a call for collective engagement. “We are doing everything we can to manage emissions, optimize operations, and protect the environment. But methane management is a shared responsibility. The world is watching, and so should Ugandans.” For emerging oil producers, reducing methane emissions delivers dual benefits: lowering climate impacts while improving energy efficiency through captured gas.
The Uganda methane emissions challenge represents one of the first real tests of the country’s promise to avoid environmental mistakes that plagued earlier oil booms elsewhere. Whether regulatory frameworks, monitoring systems, and collaborative oversight prove sufficient will determine not only the environmental footprint of Uganda’s oil industry but also its credibility in a world increasingly focused on climate responsibility. The decisions being made today in policy meetings and technical discussions will shape outcomes for decades.
