Dr. F.A Kabagambe – Kaliisa has been hailed for his role in the growth of Uganda’s extractives sector during his time as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
The former PS built 40 years and six month unique and illustrious public service career until his retirement in November 2016. He has been appointed to serve as Senior Presidential Advisor on Energy, Minerals and Oil.
Eng. Simon D’Ujanga, the Minister of State for Energy, said Kabagambe – Kaliisa played an important role in increasing electricity generation from just 60 Mega Watts (MW)in 1986 to the current 892.7 MW in 2016.
“K.K (Kabagambe – Kaliisa) has played a central role in the reform of Uganda’s electricity industry focusing on industry regulation and private sector participation,” he said during his Farwell party organized by the Ministry held at Kampala Serena hotel over the weekend.
“The team he led successfully repackaged the development of Bujagali hydropower project (250MW), the development of several renewable energy power generation projects), cogeneration power plants, and other important public-private partnerships in power distribution, rural electrification and renewable energy development.”
These efforts have resulted into Direct Foreign Investments (DFIs) of US$ 1.50 billion over the last 10 years in the power sector in Uganda and stabilization of power supply in Uganda.
In the mining sector, Hon. Peter Lokeris the State Minister for Mineral Development, said Kabagambe – Kaliisa initiated an extensive geodata acquisition program covering 80% of Uganda through airborne geophysical surveys, ground geophysical, geochemical and geological mapping which was financed by the World Bank, African Development Bank, the Nordic Development Fund, and the Government of Uganda.
“The work done has substantially increased iron ore, gold, vermiculite and limestone/marble reserves in Uganda and has discovered over 18 mineral targets ranging from base metals to rare earths and industrial minerals in addition to over 30 Uranium targets in Uganda,” he said.
Mr. Ernest Rubondo, the Execuitive Director Petroleum Authority of Uganda, said Dr. Kabagambe-Kaliisa was a key designer and implementer of Uganda’s successful Petroleum Exploration Promotion Program.
He has been the lead negotiator of nine (9) Production Sharing Agreements for Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production; four of which have led to the discovery of twenty-one (21) oilfields in Uganda with an asset base of over 6.5 billion barrels of oil in place with a Direct Foreign Investment US$ 3.147 billion since 1998.
As Permanent Secretary, his main task is to promote the development of Uganda’s energy, oil and gas, and mineral resources and ensure sustainable exploitation of the resources.
Dr. Kabagambe – Kaliisa was active in the formulation of key energy, oil and gas, and mineral sector policies, legislation and investment programs; and negotiations of agreements and contracts, all of which have helped to create a conducive environment for investment in the country’s energy, oil and gas, and mineral sectors.
Starting as Geologist with the Department of Geological Survey and Mines in April 1976, he rose through the professional ranks to become the Project Coordinator of Uganda Petroleum Exploration and Promotion Project in 1983/84.
Later in 1991, Dr. Kabagambe-Kaliisa became the first Commissioner of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Department. In 1994, he was promoted to position of Director Energy and Mineral Development.
In 1997, he became the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources, which was later restructured into the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development., until early November, 2016.
“I will use this time to write a book based on my experience,” Dr. Kabagambe-Kaliisa said.” I wish to pay tribute to the political leadership and the technical teams who have always supported me in performing my work.”
He advised the current public servant to always prepare for retirement.