Kampala – As the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) advances its ambitious Tenfold Strategy aimed at transforming Uganda’s oil and gas sector into a cornerstone of economic prosperity, Threeways Shipping Services (Group) Ltd stands as a testament to how local content development can drive lasting national value creation.
With nearly three decades of experience and a proven track record as Uganda’s first Tier 1 local logistics provider in the oil and gas sector, Threeways Shipping Services embodies the very principles outlined in PAU’s strategic framework: building Ugandan capacities, creating sustainable employment and ensuring that value from petroleum resources remains in Uganda.
From Vision to Industry Leadership
Founded in 1990 in the United Kingdom by brothers Oscar and Jeff Baitwa, Threeways Shipping Services relocated to Uganda in 1994 as part of the Bro-Group. What began as a modest courier and freight forwarding operation has evolved into a regional logistics powerhouse with strategic operations across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
The company’s transformation mirrors Uganda’s own oil journey. When exploration activities accelerated in 2007-2008, Threeways was among the first Ugandan companies to support the sector, eventually providing logistics services for approximately 95% of wells drilled during the exploration phase.
“We have built formidable experience through our past performance and historical relationships,” said Co-Managing Director Jeff Baitwa. “Today, we are the leading Ugandan Oil and Gas logistics service provider, majoring in haulage and heavy lifting services to international oil companies and their service providers.”
Uganda Manufacturers’: Perspective on Oil & Gas Sector:
— PAU_Uganda (@PAU_Uganda) December 4, 2025
✅ Oil & gas is unique compared to other sectors: requires high standards, significant investment, and specialized operations
✅ Regional markets in East Africa face challenges, including sovereignty constraints and… pic.twitter.com/3Ig8eeKlbV
Strategic Alignment with National Priorities
Threeways Shipping Services’ operations directly support several key pillars of PAU’s Tenfold Strategy:
Advancing Key Oil and Gas Projects: The company currently holds contracts valued at approximately $50 million over five years, providing critical intra-field logistics services for TotalEnergies’ Tilenga project and China National Offshore Oil Corporation’s (CNOOC) Kingfisher development. These projects are central to Uganda’s goal of achieving $5 billion in annual petroleum export earnings.
Building Local Capacity: Through deliberate workforce development initiatives, Threeways has created over 400 jobs across the region, with significant concentration in the Albertine basin. The company has launched apprenticeship programs and maintains an active Graduate Trainee Program specifically targeting youth from oil-bearing districts including Hoima, Masindi, Buliisa, Kikuube, Nwoya, Packwach and Kiryandongo.
Strengthening Backward and Forward Linkages: The company’s comprehensive service portfolio spans transportation, customs brokerage, warehousing, heavy lifting and project logistics—supporting not just oil and gas operations but also agriculture, telecommunications and infrastructure sectors.
Historic Infrastructure Investment
In a landmark development that underscores the company’s long-term commitment to Uganda’s energy future, Threeways Shipping Services recently broke ground on the Hoima Inland Terminal Facility, a strategic 25-30 acre multi-purpose logistics hub within Hoima’s Industrial Zone.
“This facility represents more than just a logistics hub—it’s a Ugandan project designed to benefit all Ugandans and support the ever-growing oil and gas sector in our region,” explained Jeff Baitwa at the groundbreaking ceremony.
The Hoima facility will feature:
- Advanced customs and URA offices for streamlined operations
- State-of-the-art storage and warehouse facilities
- Refrigeration and cargo management systems
- Health and safety compliance infrastructure
- Capacity for complementary service providers
During construction, the facility will employ approximately 450 people, transitioning to 350 operational staff once fully functional—a tangible demonstration of how petroleum sector investments create sustainable employment opportunities.
Resilience Through Adversity
Threeways’ journey hasn’t been without challenges. The company navigated financial difficulties during the prolonged transition period between exploration and development phases (2014-2022), when oil sector activities slowed significantly. Through strategic partnerships and unwavering commitment to its Ugandan workforce, the company emerged stronger, positioning itself as a trusted partner for major international operators.
“It has been painful but we are moving forward,” Baitwa acknowledged. “We have won valuable contracts and we are up and running. This resilience speaks to the strength of Ugandan entrepreneurship and our commitment to building lasting value.”
Technology and Excellence
With approximately $10-12 million invested in specialized assets including heavy lifting equipment ranging from forklifts to giant cranes of up to 70 tonnes capacity, Threeways combines local knowledge with international standards. The company’s fleet of modern trucks and specialized trailers ensures safe, efficient movement of equipment and materials across challenging terrain.
“We have invested heavily in technology, skills and resources,” noted Co-Director Geoffrey Baitwa at a recent National Supplier engagement organized by the company. “The future is bright for Ugandan logistics companies that embrace local content and invest in their communities.”
Creating Lasting Value
As PAU emphasizes that success in the oil sector should be measured not just by barrels produced or revenue collected, but by how much value remains in Uganda, Threeways Shipping Services stands as a powerful example of this principle in action.
The company’s commitment extends beyond business operations to comprehensive community engagement in Hoima and Buliisa, skills development initiatives sponsored by international partners like TotalEnergies and active participation in industry forums promoting local content compliance.
Board Chairman Hannington Karuhanga reflected on the company’s alignment with national priorities: “When the founders started this journey, they envisioned building something that would serve not just our business interests, but Uganda’s broader development agenda. Today, we see that vision materializing.”
Looking Ahead
As Uganda advances toward commercialization of its crude oil resources and works to achieve the ambitious targets outlined in PAU’s Tenfold Strategy, Threeways Shipping Services (Group) Ltd represents the kind of local capacity and commitment necessary to ensure petroleum wealth translates into prosperity for Ugandans.
With operations spanning the entire logistics value chain and a demonstrated ability to meet international standards while maintaining deep roots in Ugandan communities, Threeways embodies the transformation PAU envisions: from extracting resources to extracting opportunities, from relying on foreign expertise to building Ugandan capabilities.
“Threeways Shipping and Bro-Group are vehicles of a Ugandan facility and project designed for every Ugandan,” said Director Jeff Baitwa. “Supporting the oil and gas sector means supporting the growth and development of our country.”
About Threeways Shipping Services (Group) Ltd
Threeways Shipping Services (Group) Ltd, a subsidiary of Bro-Group, is Uganda’s premier logistics provider specializing in oil and gas, international trade and project logistics. With operations in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, the company offers comprehensive shipping services including cargo handling, customs brokerage, warehousing, heavy lifting and supply chain consulting.
Contact: Plot 87 Jinja Road, Kampala, Uganda +256 312 320 300 info@bro-group.com www.bro-group.com
Social Media: Twitter: @3waysshipping
