EACOP Ventures with Kyambogo University on Training

EACOP and Kyambogo University officials append signatures on the MoU

 

HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I  The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kyambogo University on skilling and building a knowledgeable workforce.

The MoU, which EACOP signed on behalf of its contractors and suppliers will provide a framework to guide collaboration between the two parties towards the realization of the National Content Capacity Building initiatives.

Speaking at the colorful event held at Kyambogo University recently, Guillaume Dulout, the EACOP Managing Director said the partnership is aimed at building a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that can drive the oil and gas sector forward.

“This it will do while improving the lives of many Ugandans. By working closely with institutions like Kyambogo University, we can impact the lives of hundreds,” he said.

He said Kyambogo University has consistently demonstrated its dedication to nurturing talent and innovation.

“Through this MoU, we recognize the vital role your institution will play in developing the next generation of engineers, technicians, and professionals who will contribute to the success of EACOP and beyond,” he noted.

Dulout added that the partnership is built upon EACOP’s existing collaborations with institutions such as the Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK) and Makerere University, as well as professional bodies like the Institute of Surveyors of Uganda (ISU).

“These initiatives have already proven successful in onboarding graduate trainees and creating opportunities for young Ugandans to thrive in the oil and gas industry,” he said.

 

EACOP and Kyambogo University officials display the MoU

 

In an effort to promote National Content, all EACOP’s tier one contractors and suppliers have made commitments to support knowledge and build capacity among Ugandan recent graduates, technicians and instructors, professors, and lecturers from tertiary and vocational training institutions.

Prof. Elly Katunguka, Kyambogo University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor said the MoU will enable the university graduates to benefit from EACOP’s offerings in capacity building, technology transfer, and exposure to various areas of its operations.

He said that being one of the largest engineering training institutions in the country, graduating over 1,000 engineers last year, Kyambogo is in a position to boost the oil and gas sector through capacity building.

“With limited job opportunities available nationwide, initiatives like this can help absorb many of our graduates. Additionally, the trainer program will enable our staff members to receive training, acquire new knowledge and technology, and bring these advancements back to benefit the students.

“This highlights the critical role of the private sector in shaping the university curricula—a role we, admittedly, have not fully leveraged in the past,” said Prof. Katunguka.

He added that commitments made through the MOU will be realised through the implementation of capacity building initiatives such as internship/ Graduate Training programs.

“These trainees will be graduates or existing students from the institution and will be offered training and work exposure with EACOP’s suppliers and contractors on various scopes of the project according to their disciplines,” he said.

The duration and location of the internships varies between the different contractors/suppliers.

The MOU will additionally be actualilised through the train the Trainer programs. This entails that several training sessions will be delivered by EACOP’s contractors and suppliers and will seek to share knowledge on their different scopes of work on the project as they relate to various engineering disciplines and vocational skills.

 

UPIK, MUK ventures

To date, EACOP has signed MoUs with UPIK and Makerere University, as well as with professional bodies such as the Institute of Surveyors of Uganda to support the onboarding of graduate trainees with contractors/suppliers and of interns with EACOP’s internal departments.

To date, 128 graduate trainees in Uganda and Tanzania have benefited from the trainings, exposure and on-job- experience through the graduate training program scheme and 13 Train the Trainer sessions have been held either virtually or in-person by EACOP and its contractors.

 

EACOP gestures

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is a project set up to develop, build and operate a pipeline system which will transport crude oil from Kabaale in Uganda to Tanzania.

It is a 1,443km crude oil export infrastructure that will transport Uganda’s crude oil from Kabaale – Hoima in Uganda to the Chongoleani peninsula near Tanga in Tanzania for export to the international market. This major export system includes 1,443 km (296 km in Uganda and 1147km in Tanzania) of insulated and buried 24” inch pipeline, 6 pumping stations, two pressure reduction stations and a marine export terminal in Tanzania.

Following the Final Investment Decision (FID) that was taken on the 1st of February 2022, on 15th February, EACOP concluded the formation of the company that will construct and operate the pipeline.

 

Under EACOP, which is a special purpose company, has shareholders such as TotalEnergies (62%), Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC – 15%), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC – 15%) and CNOOC (8%).

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