President Yoweri Museveni has backed plans for an East African regional refinery following a meeting with Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote at Nakasero.
In a statement released on May 17, 2026, Museveni said the meeting focused on the proposed refinery and regional cooperation in the oil sector.
Museveni said Uganda has always opposed the export of raw materials without value addition. He noted that this position partly delayed Uganda’s oil production because the government insisted on establishing a refinery before full crude exports.
“Without refining our oil, it would not make economic or strategic sense to simply export crude oil while others benefit from the finished products,” Museveni said.
The President welcomed the idea of a larger regional refinery, saying it aligns with Uganda’s push for African integration and shared prosperity.
“We cannot continue operating as fragmented and weak markets. If East Africa works together, such projects become more viable and beneficial to our people,” Museveni added.
Museveni said Uganda remains committed to supporting the regional refinery initiative while continuing the development of its own refinery in Hoima.
Uganda has for years pushed plans for the Hoima oil refinery as part of efforts to maximise gains from its petroleum resources. The refinery project is expected to support industrialisation, reduce fuel import dependence and create jobs.
Dangote owns the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, Nigeria, which is regarded as Africa’s largest refinery. The facility has become central to discussions on regional energy security and fuel supply across the continent.
The meeting comes at a time when East African countries are seeking deeper economic integration through infrastructure and energy projects.
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