The African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) successfully hosted a five-day capacity building workshop from January 6 to 10, 2025, in Entebbe, Uganda.
The workshop specifically focused on the legal and fiscal aspects of the mining and petroleum sectors, and was facilitated by Pinsent Masons LLP, Engoru Mutebi Advocates, and SLR Consulting.
This initiative was driven by an official request from the Government of Uganda aimed at enhancing legal, technical, and financial assistance related to the special income tax provisions for the mining and petroleum sectors, as well as the development of practice guidelines.
The workshop convened representatives from key government institutions, including : Uganda Revenue Authority, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development, and the Petroleum Authority of Uganda. All participants being integral to the negotiation of contracts within the extractive industries.
Throughout the five days, discussions revolved around the legislative developments, challenges, and opportunities within the mining and petroleum sectors. Participants also had the opportunity to learn about international best practices concerning taxation and fiscal regimes, especially in light of Uganda’s anticipated first oil in 2026. The exchange of knowledge included lessons learned from other countries with similar experiences in the extractive industries.
Feedback from participants was positive, with notable comments from Alfred Habassa, Supervisor at the Natural Resources Taxation Department of the Uganda Revenue Authority. He highlighted the workshop's enriching nature, stating that: “The workshop has been enlightening especially with the engaging discussions on the Uganda Mining and Petroleum Legal Framework. I have also learnt through a simulated negotiation group activity how to manage negotiation situations with investors . My improved understanding of the legal framework will be valuable in my revenue mobilization activiities within the mining and petroleum sector. ”
In conclusion, the workshop proved to be a valuable opportunity for knowledge sharing and capacity building for Ugandan officials involved in the burgeoning extractive industries, laying the groundwork for addressing future challenges and leveraging opportunities in these critical sectors.
About the ALSF
Established by the African Development Bank in 2008, the ALSF assists African governments in negotiating complex commercial transactions, providing legal and technical assistance and developing capacity building tools in the key sectors of infrastructure and public-private partnerships, energy, natural resources and extractive industries, as well as on sovereign debt and creditor disputes.
Contact us
Eve Ehoura, Communication Officer : e.ehoura@afdb.org
ALSF Website : https://www.alsf.int
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