The Energy and Mineral Development sector remains key in moving the country towards attaining the national strategic direction as stipulated in the National Development Plan and the NRM manifesto. Since the last budget cycle, the sector has made significant significant progress with a number of new power generation and transmission infrastructure were completed and commissioned while others are in the final phases of completion. In the oil and gas sector, government, on 10th April 2018, signed the Project Framework Agreement (PFA) with the Albert Graben Refinery Consortium (AGRC) who will design, build, finance and operate the refinery. Preparations are ongoing for 2nd Licensing round, which is to be launched in May, 2019 in Mombasa, Kenya.
Investment in the mineral sector has led to the development of Sukulu polymetallic phosphate deposit, and entry of new cement factories (Simba Cement, Tororo Cement and Kampala cement). On the Sukulu Phosphate and Steel Project, Phase One of the Dressing Plant and Fertilizer plant was commissioned on 23rd October, 2018. Commissioning of Phase one of the steel plant, sheet, glass plant, brick plant and cement plant is expected by July 2019