Published on 08/12/2025
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has hailed the ongoing construction of a joint oil refinery by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania as a key success of East African Community (EAC) integration.
Speaking on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni at the opening ceremony of the 15th East African Parliamentary Games at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Saturday, 6 December 2025, Tayebwa highlighted that the refinery represents more than just a policy discussion, but a concrete investment that will directly benefit the people of the region.
“Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania are already building our own refinery; this is what true integration looks like, shared investment, shared value addition and shared prosperity. Why should crude oil leave Hoima for Europe to be refined and then return to us at a higher cost?” Tayebwa asked.
The refinery, designed to process 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day, is expected to reduce the EAC’s dependence on imported fuel and stabilize energy supplies across the region.
Tayebwa stressed the power of the EAC’s combined market, which now includes over 500 million people.
“With a market of this size, we can attract big investment, industrial growth, and technological innovation. When we cooperate, we can build industries that compete globally instead of exporting raw materials cheaply,” he added.
Tayebwa also praised Uganda and Kenya for their regional cooperation, citing Uganda’s investment in road construction in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the recent approval of a loan for the construction of a hydroelectric power dam in South Sudan. He also highlighted Kenya’s collaboration with Uganda in opening a US$500 million steel plant in Tororo District to process Uganda’s iron ore locally.
The Speaker of the Kenya National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, echoed Tayebwa’s sentiments, emphasizing that the refinery is proof that the EAC’s founders’ vision is being realized.
“The integration of our region is not an option. Those of us who have tested the benefits can say that being together is better than being apart. We have been each other’s keeper in many ways,” Wetang’ula said.
Wetang’ula also commended the EAC Parliamentary Games as an important demonstration of the relevance of a united East Africa, expressing hope that the ultimate political federation of the community would soon be achieved.
“The integration of our region is not an option. Those of us who have tested the benefits can say that being together is better than being apart,” he said.
The Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Joseph Ntakirutimana, remarked that the games have become a key platform for building friendships, fostering reconciliation, and deepening regional unity.
The keynote speaker for the day, former EAC Secretary General, Amanya Mushega, urged regional leaders to prioritize the ideals of integration and refrain from using the community to pursue selfish political interests. He also called for the removal of barriers to the movement of people and goods within the community.
The 15th EAC Parliamentary Games under the theme: Advancing Integration through EAC Parliamentary Sports, kicked off with a football match between Uganda and Burundi at the Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, where the hosts, Uganda triumphed 4 – 1.
Parliament of Uganda opened their defence of the title with a second half hat trick by Katikamu County North MP, Hon. Denes Sekabira, lighting up the opening day of the games. Earlier, Ayivu Division West MP, Hon. John Lematia, had opened the score sheet with Uganda’s first goal, only a minute after kickoff. Hon. Shabani Nimubona scored for Burundi.
Uganda will next play Kenya on Monday, 08 December 2025 at the MTN Omondi Stadium.
Five of the eight EAC partner states – Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and hosts Uganda are competing in netball, tug-of-war, basketball, volleyball and golf in the games lasting two weeks.
