Uganda: Netizens React To President’s Address On Oil  · Global Voices
James Propa

The president of Uganda Yoweeri Kaguta Museveni appeared before parliament on February 10, 2012 to brief the nation about the power shortages and oil exploration in Lake Albert. Museveni announced the discovery of oil in 2006 after many years of exploration.
Museveni defended the government decision to sign oil agreements and grant a further license to Tullow oil despite a Parliamentary resolution against any more oil licenses. He said that the oil agreements are to benefit Uganda. He added that the two licenses given to Tullow Oil Exploration Company were to compensate for the time lost in the oil debate.
Map of oil fields in Lake Albert area in Uganda. Photo courtesy of tullowoil.com.
Immediately after his address, Ugandan netizens started discussing it on various social media platoforms. On Twitter, tweeps used hashtags #Museveni, #OilDebate, #Uganda among others.
@Haggae advised:
@Haggae: Becoz oil prices will soon drop Ugandans shld not delay & miss an opportunity of sellin @ a higher price, really Mr.#Museveni?? #oildebate
He added:
@Haggae: #Museveni's speech was as hollow as only convincing #MPs to avoid what he thinks is a ‘mistake of delayin #oilproductn‘#oildebate, #Uganda
@Loyce09 was pessimistic:
@Loyce09: #Uganda is already a sold property, in a few years citizens will also be sold#oildebate
@RosebellK thought that Uganda as a country will not benefit:
@RosebellK: So Oil co.s will take 74 % + of 26 remaining Kaguta and company will take about 90 % #Uganda will b left with nothing. #oildebate
She told Museveni that 2012 is not 1985 when he was about to take power:
@RosebellK: Kwonka #Museveni Kaguta of #Ugandahas no shame!! #Uganda don't need to hear yo rhetoric of feeling like yo back in 1985. Its 2012 dude!!!
Yoweri Museveni with Ugandan MPS at Parliament. Photo courtesy of ugpulse.com.
@andykristian wanted to know if the oil agreements are valid:
@andykristian: Any lawyers in the house? Did #Museveniand Government break the law in signing oil agreements? Are the signed agreements valid? #OilDebate
He warned of oil curse:
@andykristian: #Museveni, stop manipulating us – #Ugandans. You will bring the Oil Curse on US! Just Leave Government, We Beg You Please!!!#OilDebate
@pmagelah argued that Museveni should have consulted MPs before signing the agreements:
@pmagelah: I find it so problematic the the president ignored parliament, then came 2inform them why, instead of 1st consulting them#OilDebate
@DavidTumusiime asked:
@DavidTumusiime: SO…there was a rush to sign #Tullow oil deal quickly bse…? #oildebate12
@gothrockstar80 urged the government to develop the agricultural sector first:
@gothrockstar80: 80% of Ugandans R in the agricultural industry.We should develop that sector and leave this oil BS #oildebate12#Uganda#oildebate#Tullow
On Facebook, Tugumenawe Athanazius wrote:
Uganda sucks.How cn a prezdent present a report full of mistakes to th nation in parliament n he lso confesses????!!!!!!!!!!