Communities in Hoima and Kikuube Districts have received a major boost in healthcare and education services following CNOOC Uganda Limited’s handover of medical equipment, hospital furniture, school desks, and textbooks to local health facilities and schools.
The package includes 120 sets of medical equipment and furniture distributed to Buhuka Health Centre III (52 sets) and Kyangwali Health Centre IV (68 sets).
The donation ceremony, held at Kyangwali Health Centre IV in Kyangwali Sub-county, Kikuube District, featured hospital beds, hydraulic theatre operating beds, examination lights, BP machines, diagnostic kits, autoclaves, resuscitators, maternity equipment, bedside lockers, cupboards, and patient screens—all aimed at strengthening healthcare service delivery.
In addition, 11 primary schools in Hoima and Kikuube have received 400 desks and 880 textbooks to ease congestion in classrooms and improve learning outcomes. Each school received about 40 desks and 80 textbooks.
While presiding over the handover, Mr. Liu Xiangdong, President of CNOOC Uganda Limited, said the initiative was guided by needs assessments carried out in the region.
“From these assessments, we found that healthcare and education in Kikuube District still require significant support. Today’s event is one of the many initiatives we have put in place to respond to these needs. True development is not only measured by the oil we produce, but also by the value we add to the lives of people living alongside our projects,” he said.
He emphasized that the support goes beyond equipment, as it is aimed at improving both healthcare and education in the communities.
“By handing over this school and health equipment, we aim to improve education and healthcare in our communities. This aligns with the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) goal of ‘small yet beautiful’ livelihood projects, and Uganda’s national goals of reducing maternal and child mortality, improving equitable healthcare, and easing the pressure on social services.”
Semu Tebayita, the In-Charge of Kyangwali Health Centre IV, hailed CNOOC for its support, describing it as a lifeline for patients who rely on the facility.
“This is not just a delivery of tools; it’s a delivery of hope, of improved efficiency, and of better outcomes for our patients. These are instruments that will help save lives,” he said.
He noted that the hydraulic operating beds were transformative additions to their operating theatre.
“Our old theatre beds were in a poor state. One had a failed hydraulic system, making surgery difficult and physically strenuous for our doctors. These new beds are a blessing and will enhance the safety and comfort of both patients and medical staff,” he explained.
Serving a catchment area of more than 41,000 people, Kyangwali Health Centre IV often attends to patients from neighboring districts.
Tebayita emphasized that the support would have a far-reaching impact and pledged accountability in managing the equipment.
“Your support reminds us that together, institutions and generous individuals can make a real difference. We assure you these resources will be used to their full potential,” he affirmed.
John Kyamanya, the Deputy Headteacher of Kabaale Primary School, which has an enrollment of 1,446 pupils, said the textbooks and desks had come at the right time.
He hailed CNOOC for boosting children’s academics and easing the school’s workload.
“Most of the books in our library are outdated and mainly used for extensive reading. These new instructional materials will directly help teachers deliver lessons and improve grades. The desks will also reduce congestion in our classrooms. We are very grateful to CNOOC.”
The handover event was officiated by Peter Banura, the LCV Chairperson of Kikuube District, who praised CNOOC’s consistency in community investment.
“CNOOC is not only here to extract oil; they are helping us build better livelihoods by supporting health, education, and hands-on skills development programs. This is the kind of partnership our people need,” he said.
Banura urged residents to disregard falsehoods peddled by outsiders about CNOOC projects, emphasizing that such misinformation only derails progress. He reaffirmed his commitment to fully support the successful implementation of the company’s initiatives for the benefit of the community.
The Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Mr. Ernest Rubondo, also commended the initiative, noting that projects like these strengthen community support for Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
“Today’s activity is a reminder that the oil and gas sector is not just about the infrastructure and production of oil, but also about people, the communities, and shared progress. We all need to grow together—that’s why CNOOC takes these activities very seriously,” he said.
He praised CNOOC for the initiative, noting that these interventions not only address immediate community needs but also align closely with government programs, reinforcing their commitment to supporting national development efforts.
Beyond healthcare and education, CNOOC Uganda Limited continues to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs in the Albertine Region.
These include scholarships for Ugandan students in China, free annual medical camps that attract over 700 people, vocational skills training in heavy equipment operation, tree-planting campaigns, and livelihood projects in rice, millet, piggery, and agroforestry.
Mr. Liu emphasized the company’s holistic approach.
“Healthy and educated communities form the foundation for sustainable development and shared prosperity. By investing in hospitals, schools, agriculture, and the environment, we are contributing to a resilient future for Uganda. This is the true essence of our vision: Energy for a Better Future.”
The donation, warmly received by communities, is the latest step in CNOOC Uganda Limited’s ongoing commitment to improving lives in the Albertine Region while aligning its operations with Uganda’s long-term social and economic development goals.
