The Judiciary has launched a specialised petroleum sector training programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of judicial officers to handle emerging legal issues in Uganda's oil and gas industry.

Organised by the Judicial Training Institute, the programme brings together judicial officers and representatives from the Bank of Uganda (BoU), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), and other institutions involved in petroleum governance.

Opening the programme, Chief Justice Flavian Zeija said the training will help the Judiciary better understand the technical, economic, environmental and social aspects of Uganda's petroleum sector.

"One cannot effectively adjudicate matters that one does not sufficiently understand," Justice Zeija said, underscoring the importance of continuous judicial education.

He said the Judiciary is strengthening its capacity to handle complex disputes involving petroleum, infrastructure, taxation, environmental protection and commercial agreements. He also noted plans to establish a specialised High Court division to handle such matters.

Bank of Uganda Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego said institutional trust is essential for petroleum sector development, noting that strong legal frameworks and predictable dispute resolution mechanisms are important for investor confidence.

URA Commissioner General John R. Musinguzi said petroleum revenues are expected to contribute to Uganda's economic self-reliance. He added that the country aims to increase its tax-to-GDP ratio from 14.3% to 20% by 2030.

Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza urged stakeholders to view petroleum as a catalyst for industrialisation, innovation and value addition.

Justice Mike Chibita said specialised training strengthens judicial independence by equipping judges with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.

The programme will conclude with a field visit to the Albertine Graben, where judicial officers will gain practical insights into Uganda's petroleum operations, infrastructure and environmental management systems.