The Seminar was hosted by the Makerere University Petroleum and Geology Society (MPGS)
Mandate
The Makerere University Petroleum and Geology Society (MPGS) aims at uniting students, lecturers and alumni from the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, School of Physical Sciences, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University. It thus creates a collaboration between students and professionals in petroleum and geosciences related disciplines. As part of the mandate, MPGS organizes annual career seminars and exhibitions that target students from Makerere University, particularly the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies as well as student representatives from various institutions across the country.
Career Seminar
This year MPGS organized a career seminar on the 25 March 2022 at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology Conference Hall under the theme: “Uganda Post FID: Harnessing opportunities in the oil and gas industry for promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth for all”. Its aim was to introduce career opportunities and guidance towards programmes to improve students academic, professional and soft skills in preparation for careers in the oil and gas industry. MPGS is currently under the patronage of Dr. Simon Echegu. The career seminar was organized by the MPGS executive led by Mr. Mutabazi Julius, a final year student of the BSc (Petroleum Geosciences and Production) programme.
The event was attended by representatives of international oil companies, government agencies, renown professionals in the sector, lecturers and administrators at the College of Natural Sciences. The Director, Directorate of Petroleum, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development was the Guest of Honour. The Deputy Principal, College of Natural Sciences, Dr Juma Kasozi graced the event, and the Head of Department Geology and Petroleum Studies was represented by Dr Arthur G. Batte. Total Energies was represented by Mr. Jean Gavalda, Director Business Development and Corporate affairs who promised to continue his support towards the Society to provide opportunities and support in education. Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) was represented by Ms. Lyoidah Kiconco, Head of Exploration and New Ventures. Ms. Namubiru Betty Jackie (Manager National Content and Capacity Building), Mr. James Okwi (Skills Development Officer) and Mr. Joseph Nyakairu (Senior National Content Officer) represented the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU). Others included, Mr. Simon Faurie, Director Geology and Geophysics Skills, Dr. Tom Buringuriza, Country Manager Armour Energy, Ms. Patricia Nansamba, Tarn Energy Services. Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard, Project Development Manager MOTA-Engil Uganda and the Executive Director Institute of Metallurgy, Mining and Petroleum Engineering, and Mr. Robert Tugume (now at PAU) the Founding Patron of MUPGS.
Activities
- Industry professionals were assigned different topics which they presented in line with the theme of the day. These greatly enriched the students with knowledge on discovering opportunities, personal branding, energy transitions, soft skills and leadership among others.
- A number of student-led innovations were exhibited including carbon capture, storage and utilization, petroleum play system.
- An annual society magazine, ‘THE GEO-PERSPECTIVE’was launched on this day. The Geo-perspective aims at providing comprehensive information about the oil and gas industry from the perspective of government officials, students and professionals.
- MPGS President, Mr. Mutabazi Julius, the Public Relations Officer Mr. Lukaaga Kevin, and the Deputy Chief Editor, Ms Emmanuella Kaducu Lagen were hosted on 93.3 K Fm’s Hot Seat programme on the evening of 24 March 2022 to discuss the MPGS career seminar and its relevance. On the 25 March 2022 they held further discussions with TV stations including NTV, Spark TV, UBC, and Star TV.
Compiled by the MPGS Executive