An Analysis of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)-Related Objectives Enshrined in the “National Oil and Gas Policy for Uganda, 2008”: A Policy Perspective Paper

This policy perspective paper is premised on the governance philosophy that prudent use of natural resources wealth is an important engine for sustainable social and economic growth in any country. In Uganda, the philosophy is traced in The National Oil & Gas Policy (2008), objectives 9(c) & 10(f) which calls for embracing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. That is, CSR activities that promote this philosophy become a priority as Uganda pursues its third National Development Plan (NDP-3)’s goal of “Increased Household Incomes and Improved Quality of Life of Ugandans.” This “Policy Perspective Paper” is intended to assess the impact of the current CSR entry points indicated in “National Oil and Gas Policy for Uganda, 2008” to provide room for scaling up O&G player’s CSR interventions and activities that engage women, youth, and the elderly persons in efforts to promote social-economic inclusion, environmental responsibility, and community development. That is, this policy perspective’s goal is to contribute to realization of Uganda’s development priorities as enshrined in NDP-3, priority of “Community Mobilization and Mindset Programme,” and “Natural Resources, Environment, Climate Change, Land and Water Management Programme.” As an innovation, this policy perspective intertwines these two NDP-3 priorities providing policy entry points for engagement into CSR activities and CSR decision-making of Oil and Gas (O&G) upstream and downstream companies. The policy perspective paper ends by promoting and advocating for the need to ensuring that O&G players in Uganda’s Albertine districts (including among others, Hoima, Kikuube, and Buliisa), to proactively undertake transformative CSR programs. This Policy Analysis is to guide policy makers to improve their capacity in assessing the quality of annual reporting of O&G players by additionally demanding performance data on CSR and Social Compliance aspects. The Local Government officials/policy implementers in the Albertine, and Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development will also use this research output to: (i) monitor the relevance of O&G companies and their allies to policy instruments that promote CSR, social inclusion, and sustainable development. (ii) make an informed decision about the readiness of these players before entering Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for potential CSR and PPP projects. Lastly, (iii) make CSR strategic plans for social development and gender mainstreaming.