CNOOC Uganda Limited has successfully conducted the 2026 Best Performers Awards (BPA)in which it rewarded the best performing students from Bunyoro, particularly in Hoima District, Kikuube District, and Hoima City.
The awards ceremony, held in Hoima City, brought together key stakeholders including the Lord Mayor of Hoima City, district leaders from Hoima and Kikuube, the Resident City Commissioner, representatives from the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, District and City Education Officers, as well as joint venture partners TotalEnergies and UNOC.
The 2026 program will benefit 300 top-performing students selected from over 40 schools across the three areas.
A total of shs73 million has been allocated for the awards, distributed based on academic performance and education level.
The selection process was conducted in collaboration with District Education Offices, ensuring transparency and that only deserving learners are recognized.
Building on the success of the 2025 edition, which also recognized 300 outstanding students in PLE, UCE, and UACE examinations, the initiative continues to provide both financial support and motivation for learners to pursue higher academic achievement.
The program maintains an inclusive approach, with special consideration given to students from host communities such as Buhuka Parish and the sub-counties of Kyangwali, Kabwoya, Kabaale, and Buseruka, as well as learners with disabilities.
Now in its 13th year, the Best Performers Awards Program has become a flagship education initiative in the Bunyoro sub-region. Since its inception in 2013, the program has supported 1,448 students and contributed to a reported 400 percent improvement in academic performance among participating schools.
With the inclusion of the 2025 cohort, the total number of beneficiaries has risen to 1,748, reflecting CNOOC Uganda’s growing impact on education standards in the region.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Wang Jufeng, Vice President of CNOOC Uganda Limited, emphasized that the program goes beyond recognizing academic excellence.
He noted that it aims to inspire ambition and create opportunities for the next generation, with each beneficiary representing a future contributor to Uganda’s development across sectors, including oil and gas.
Beyond education, CNOOC Uganda continues to implement a broad range of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. These include annual medical camps that have provided free healthcare services to more than 4,000 community members, and support for sports development through the CNOOC–Bunyoro Kitara Amasaza Cup.
Additional initiatives include support to schools and health facilities, the Buhuka Gravity Water Scheme that provides clean water to communities, sanitation and hygiene campaigns, road safety awareness programs, and vocational training initiatives targeting youth and women. To date, more than 1,000 young people have gained practical skills in areas such as welding, heavy goods vehicle operation, and internationally recognized certification programs.
Brian Kaboyo, the Lord Mayor of Hoima City expressed appreciation for the company’s continued collaboration and contributions, particularly in advancing education and healthcare in the region.
CNOOC Uganda also congratulated all award beneficiaries and participating schools, especially those that have consistently demonstrated strong academic performance over the years.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government and community stakeholders to promote sustainable development, emphasizing that investment in education remains a cornerstone of long-term socio-economic transformation.
