First Oil And Beyond: The social licence

What the report says

The Independent Uganda published a comment by Ali Ssekatawa on August 22, 2026 arguing that Uganda’s oil-related projects need a lasting “social licence to operate” from host communities, not just government approvals. The piece uses the recent groundbreaking for the Kabaka Daudi Chwa II EACOP Stadium in Buddu, Masaka City, as a focal example of how major infrastructure associated with the oil economy may leave behind public assets beyond the life of construction work.

The article says Buganda Kingdom and EACOP Ltd launched the stadium project on July 23, describing it as a 10,000-seater venue and linking it to a broader discussion about what communities gain as Uganda approaches first oil. It also places the project in the context of the 1,445km East African Crude Oil Pipeline, which will move crude from Hoima to the Tanzanian port of Tanga, while noting that the pipeline corridor runs through nearby districts including Lwengo, Kyotera and Rakai rather than Masaka itself.

Ssekatawa highlights several areas where oil companies and partners say they have invested in communities: agriculture support for households in Tilenga, Kingfisher and EACOP areas; scholarships, vocational training and school support; water and health projects; road improvements; and road-safety education. He also points to sports programmes and the stadium partnership as examples of infrastructure that could continue serving communities after oil construction ends.

The broader message is that long-term public acceptance depends on tangible benefits, consultation and trust. The article presents these initiatives as part of an effort to show value to affected communities, while acknowledging that the process has not been without challenges.