EACOP and Kyambogo University Join Forces to Foster Capacity Building and National DevelopmentThe East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd has partnered with Kyambogo University through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to bolster national content initiatives by prioritizing capacity building, knowledge transfer, and skill development, ensuring increased Ugandan participation in the oil and gas sector.
EACOP is responsible for constructing and operating the 1,443-kilometer pipeline that will transport crude oil from Kabaale, Hoima in Uganda, to Tanga Port on Tanzania’s coastline. The project depends on a complex network of local and international contractors, highlighting the need for a skilled workforce, which this partnership seeks to address.
Speaking at the signing event, Guillaume Dulout, Managing Director of EACOP, emphasized the significance of this partnership. “Collaborating with institutions like Kyambogo University allows us to develop a competent workforce to drive the oil and gas sector while positively impacting Ugandan livelihoods. Kyambogo has shown remarkable dedication to nurturing talent, and we are confident this MoU will cultivate the next generation of engineers, technicians, and professionals crucial to EACOP’s success and beyond,” he said.
Dulout also acknowledged similar collaborations with institutions such as Makerere University, Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK), and the Institute of Surveyors of Uganda (ISU), noting their contributions to creating pathways for Ugandan professionals in the oil and gas industry.
The partnership with Kyambogo University will focus on two main capacity-building initiatives:
Internship or graduate training programs; this initiative will offer students and graduates of Kyambogo University hands-on training and exposure through EACOP’s network of contractors and suppliers. Interns will work on various aspects of the pipeline project, with tasks tailored to their academic disciplines. The program will provide practical experience to equip participants for the oil and gas industry.
Train the trainer programs; designed for Kyambogo University’s academic staff, this program will enhance their technical expertise in engineering and vocational skills. EACOP’s contractors and suppliers will facilitate these sessions, enabling trainers to integrate advanced knowledge into their teaching and curricula.
Prof. Elly Katunguka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Kyambogo University, commended EACOP for its role in capacity building. “Kyambogo University is one of Uganda’s leading engineering institutions, producing over 1,000 engineers annually. This partnership not only creates employment avenues but also enriches our graduates with industry-relevant skills,” he remarked.
Prof. Katunguka highlighted the Train the Trainer program as a game-changer for the university. “This initiative equips our staff with cutting-edge knowledge and technologies, enabling us to redefine our curricula and better prepare our students. It showcases the private sector’s essential role in academia, a potential we’ve yet to fully explore,” he added.
EACOP’s collaborations have already benefited 128 graduate trainees from Uganda and Tanzania through tailored training programs. Additionally, 13 Train the Trainer sessions have been conducted, fostering the development of technical expertise within academic institutions.
The EACOP project, a 24-inch insulated and buried pipeline with six pumping stations, two pressure reduction stations, and a marine export terminal, represents a significant infrastructure investment. With 296 kilometers in Uganda and 1,147 kilometers in Tanzania, it aims to position East Africa as a vital player in the global oil and gas market while driving economic growth and job creation.
EACOP Ltd was formally established in February 2022 as a special-purpose company with shareholders including TotalEnergies (62%), Uganda National Oil Company (15%), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (15%), and CNOOC (8%).
This transformative partnership between EACOP and Kyambogo University underscores the vital role of academia in driving national development, ensuring that Ugandans are well-prepared to contribute to and benefit from the opportunities presented by the oil and gas sector.