Anaka Hospital, the main healthcare facility in Nwoya District, had gone eight years without access to piped water, until last week, when a joint effort involving players from Uganda’s oil and gas sector and local stakeholders restored the water supply within the hospital.
The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), in partnership with TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU), CNOOC Uganda Limited (CUL), the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Limited, the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), and Albertine Waste Management JV and Luweero Industries Ltd collaborated to restore the hospital’s water supply. In addition to this critical intervention, the partners also committed to managing and safely disposing of accumulated medical waste to a tune of 20,000 tonnes, which had posed a growing health risk to the hospital and surrounding community following the withdrawal of support from USAID.
“Having our water reconnected, along with a backup tank, is incredibly relieving and now it’s our responsibility to maintain it,” said Mr. Emmanuel Orach, LCV Chairperson of Nwoya District, during the handover ceremony at Anaka Hospital.
The donation included a restored water supply system, improved medical waste management, garbage collection tools, and cleaning equipment. These contributions were part of activities marking the 2025 Joint Oil and Gas World Environment Day (WED), which was held in Nwoya District under the theme “Combating Plastic Pollution: A Call for Action.”
The theme directly aligns with Objective 9 of Uganda’s National Oil and Gas Policy, which emphasises conducting petroleum activities in a manner that conserves the environment and protects biodiversity.
Speaking on behalf of the PAU Executive Director, Dr. Joseph Kobusheshe, Director of Environment, Health, and Safety at PAU, emphasised the significance of hosting this year’s WED in Nwoya. He noted that the district is not only home to strategic oil and gas installations but also faces environmental challenges, including poor waste management and the effects of climate change.
Dr. Kobusheshe underscored the sectors efforts in ensuring that all waste including plastics generated during the oil and gas operations in handled in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. “We are actively working to minimise our footprint by phasing out single-use plastics, promoting recycling, and raising public awareness.”
These efforts align with broader national strategies to curb plastic pollution, particularly given that less than 10% of plastic waste is currently recycled and approximately 60% goes uncollected, resulting in clogged drainage systems and environmental degradation.
The WED 2025 activities in Nwoya also included the planting and donation of 2,000 tree seedlings, cleaning of public spaces, and a public media dialogue on the theme “Combating Plastic Pollution – A Call for Action.” These efforts aimed to raise environmental awareness, enhance community well-being, and promote sustainability within the sector.
The Joint Oil and Gas World Environment Day celebrations are a testament to the oil and gas sector’s commitment to environmental stewardship, local empowerment, and sustainable development.