From The Independent

The Government of Uganda has announced the second phase of the public tender for the lead investor/operator for the development, implementation and operation of the proposed 60,000 barrels/day oil refinery and its related infrastructure.

The latest development follows the request for qualification which the government published in October.

The issuance of the call for investors in the refinery quickly followed another milestone in Uganda’s fledgling petroleum industry—the issuance of the first oil production permit to the Chinese firm, CNOOC, in September.

According to a recent statement from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, the request attracted responses from seventy-five firms, with eight consortia submitting detailed statements of qualifications.

As a result, six large, multi-national consortia have been short-listed to receive the Request for Proposals (RFP).

According to the energy ministry, one of these firms/consortia will be selected by mid-2014.

Fred Kabagambe-Kaliisa, the energy ministry’s Permanent Secretary said the government is pleased with the ‘significant’ interest in Uganda’s refinery project.

“The interest in the Project clearly demonstrates that the international community sees real economic and energy opportunities within Uganda’s borders and the broader region,” he said.

Written by Ronald Musoke | Read more at The Independent