The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd, in partnership with China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. Ltd (CPP Uganda), has graduated 20 employees from a specialized Automatic Welding Training Program aimed at strengthening local technical capacity in Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Tilenga Main Camp in Buliisa District, where trainees completed an intensive program focused on advanced pipeline welding technology.
CPP Uganda is the main contractor responsible for the construction of the pipeline and Above Ground Installations (AGIs) under the EACOP project.
According to project officials, the training forms part of CPP Uganda’s commitment to promoting national content and technology transfer by equipping Ugandans with internationally competitive technical skills.
The program focused on operation of the CPP G 1990 Series Automatic Welding Machine, a key technology widely used in modern pipeline construction because of its precision, efficiency and ability to meet strict quality standards.
Participants received both theoretical and practical training in equipment recognition, machine debugging, advanced welding operations, parameter setting, multi-pass welding, defect analysis and international certification standards.
The trainees also undertook practical welding exercises in various positions, including flat, vertical, overhead and 5G pipe welding techniques.
Project officials said the training is intended to prepare a skilled local workforce capable of supporting one of Africa’s largest energy infrastructure projects.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, CPP Uganda Senior Welding Expert Li Hua Ping said the initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to local capacity building.
“This specialized training demonstrates our commitment to a localization strategy through knowledge transfer,” Li said.
“These efforts not only improve the technical capabilities of local welders but also contribute to sustainable employment and the long-term development of Uganda’s oil and gas sector,” he added.
The event was attended by members of the EACOP Senior Leadership Team, officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, representatives from the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), and trainers from CPP Uganda.
EACOP officials said the continued investment in skills development is part of broader efforts to ensure Ugandans benefit directly from opportunities created by the country’s emerging oil and gas industry.
By aligning local training with international pipeline construction standards, the project aims to promote sustainable economic growth, strengthen workforce competitiveness and empower communities hosting oil and gas developments.
