The Government of Uganda will introduce a Bill aimed at addressing environmental concerns arising from oil and gas activities, as the country prepares for oil production, Ecofin Agency reported.

The bill, which has yet to be approved, would include provisions on prevention and control against acute pollution and management of environmental disasters. According to Uganda News Releases, the proposed law should be ratified by the line ministry before it can be forwarded to the cabinet and, subsequently, tabled  before the parliament.

The discovery of oil and throughout the exploration activities has imposed serious damages on the environment, which have been a major concern for the Ugandan government and agencies.

Meanwhile, the country is getting ready to start commercial oil production in 2020, and with proven crude oil reserves of 6.5b barrels. The commencement of oil production will make Uganda become one of the world’s top 50 oil producers.