East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd has formalized a collaboration with Kyambogo University through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at fostering national content and enhancing capacity building initiatives for Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
The MoU provides a framework for cooperation between EACOP and Kyambogo University, particularly to develop and strengthen the national workforce. Given the scale and complexity of the EACOP pipeline project, various local and international contractors and suppliers will be involved in different aspects of the construction, as well as the provision of specialized equipment for the pipeline.
During the event, Guillaume Dulout, the Managing Director of EACOP, praised the partnership as a transformative step in developing a skilled workforce. “By collaborating with institutions like Kyambogo University, we aim to create a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce that will help propel the oil and gas sector forward and improve the livelihoods of Ugandans,” Dulout said.
He acknowledged Kyambogo University’s consistent commitment to innovation and talent development, highlighting the significant role the institution will play in producing the next generation of professionals, technicians, and engineers who will contribute to EACOP’s success.
The partnership aligns with EACOP’s broader commitment to national content, building upon collaborations with Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK) and Makerere University, and professional organizations such as the Institute of Surveyors of Uganda (ISU). These efforts have already proven successful in offering opportunities for graduate trainees and supporting young Ugandans to excel in the oil and gas industry.
As part of its national content initiative, EACOP’s tier one contractors and suppliers have pledged to collaborate with the company to foster capacity building among Ugandan graduates, technicians, instructors, and academics from both vocational and tertiary institutions. This will be achieved through two key capacity-building programs: graduate training internships and train-the-trainer programs.
Prof. Elly Katunguka, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stressing that it would provide graduates with valuable opportunities to gain exposure, receive technology transfer, and benefit from hands-on experience across EACOP’s operations. “Kyambogo University, one of the largest engineering training institutions in Uganda, graduated over 1,000 engineers last year. However, with limited job opportunities available, initiatives like this that can absorb many of our graduates are crucial,” said Prof. Katunguka.
He also noted the importance of the trainer programs, which will equip faculty members with new knowledge and technology, ultimately benefiting students and enhancing the university’s curriculum. “The role of the private sector in shaping curricula is critical, and this partnership highlights how we can leverage industry expertise to benefit our academic programs,” he added.
In total, EACOP has signed MoUs with UPIK, Makerere University, and professional bodies such as ISU to help onboard graduate trainees and interns with its contractors and internal departments. As of now, 128 graduate trainees from Uganda and Tanzania have participated in bespoke training programs, gaining valuable exposure and on-the-job experience. Additionally, 13 train-the-trainer sessions have been held either virtually or in person by EACOP and its contractors.
