Uganda Urged To Tighten Methane Rules Before First Oil

Kampala, August 26, 2026 - Uganda has been urged to establish a comprehensive methane emissions management framework before commercial oil production begins, highlighting regulatory gaps that could affect the country's emerging petroleum sector.

A new policy briefing warned that Uganda is approaching oil production without adequate methane-specific regulations or reliable baseline data. Methane control is increasingly important for oil and gas projects as buyers, financiers and regulators scrutinize emissions performance.

The warning comes as Uganda prepares to enter commercial production, a milestone expected to reshape public revenues, infrastructure investment and foreign exchange flows.

For investors, stronger methane rules could raise compliance requirements but also reduce reputational, environmental and financing risks around Uganda's first oil projects.