Utilitarianism in Uganda's oil and gas sector: Balancing utility and responsibility for environmental justice

This paper examined the role of utilitarianism in balancing economic utility and environmental justice in Uganda's oil and gas sector. Following the discovery of oil reserves in the Albertine Graben, Uganda has seen significant economic potential alongside environmental and social challenges. Utilitarianism, which advocates actions that maximize overall happiness and minimize harm, offers a framework for addressing these issues. The discussion covers the theory’s foundations and its application in ethical decision-making, highlighting obstacles like complex impact assessments, conflicting interests, limited resources, and political pressures. Opportunities include enhancing decision-making frameworks, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening stakeholder engagement. Recommendations for effective implementation include comprehensive impact assessments, transparent decision-making, robust regulatory frameworks, sustainable practices, and addressing power imbalances. By adopting doctrinal methodology through the examination of utilitarian principles, Uganda's oil and gas sector can achieve balanced, equitable, and sustainable growth, ensuring long-term benefits while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and local communities.