USAID/UGANDA: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FOR THE OIL SECTOR – THIRD QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT AWP3

The project is implemented by Tetra Tech and is in its third year. The project's main objective is to strengthen the capacity of Ugandan institutions to manage the environmental impacts of the oil and gas sector. This is achieved through three key results: strengthened capacity of Ugandan institutions to manage the environmental impacts of the oil and gas sector, strengthened capacity of Ugandan professionals to monitor and manage the environmental impacts of the oil and gas sector, and strengthened capacity of Ugandan civil society to participate in decision-making in the oil and gas sector. In the third quarter of the third annual work plan, preparations for the "Professoriate Program" dominated the project's activities. Short-term technical assistance (STTA) from Texas Agricultural & Mechanical University (TAMU) visited Uganda and worked with the project team to initiate arrangements for implementing the program. The program aims to enhance the capacity of lecturers from three target universities to teach environmental management and biodiversity conservation courses. The project has made significant progress in implementing its work plan. Processes and systems to monitor the impacts of oil and gas activities on biodiversity have been implemented, and environmental regulations and guidance to address biodiversity impacts of oil and gas have been updated. Awareness of and ability to value biodiversity resources, analyze trade-offs, and apply economic instruments to promote biodiversity conservation have been enhanced. The project has also strengthened the capacity of Ugandan professionals to monitor and manage the environmental impacts of the oil and gas sector. Short-term training programs on biodiversity conservation and environmental management in oil and gas-affected areas have been designed and implemented. Environmental management and biodiversity research in the oil and gas sector have been enhanced, and oil and environmental management courses and degree programs have been designed and approved at Makerere University. In addition, the project has strengthened the capacity of Ugandan civil society to participate in decision-making in the oil and gas sector. Civil society awareness on biodiversity and environmental aspects of oil and gas activities has been enhanced, and district and community capacity to manage biodiversity and environmental impacts of oil and gas development has been enhanced. The project has also made progress in program management, including implementation team and structure, monitoring and evaluation, collaborating, learning, and adapting, integrating gender concerns, priority equipment to support environmental monitoring and delivery of training, and project financial report. The project's progress is reflected in the Gantt chart for the Environmental Management for the Oil Sector Activity, which shows the project's activities and milestones for the third quarter of the third annual work plan. The project's achievements are also reflected in the annexes, which provide additional information on the project's activities and progress. Overall, the Environmental Management for the Oil Sector Activity in Uganda has made significant progress in implementing its work plan and achieving its objectives. The project's activities and achievements demonstrate its commitment to strengthening the capacity of Ugandan institutions, professionals, and civil society to manage the environmental impacts of the oil and gas sector.