Kyambogo University, EACOP sign MoU to train Ugandans in oil and gas sector

East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd has  signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kyambogo University on behalf of its contractors and suppliers.

The MoU will provide a framework to guide collaboration between the two parties towards the realization of the national content capacity building initiatives.

Given the nature of the  pipeline project, there are several national and international contractors and suppliers who will support different aspects/scopes on the construction of the pipeline and others who will also supply bespoke equipment for the pipeline.

While delivering his remarks at the event, Guillaume Dulout, Managing Director of EACOP described the MoU as a gamechanger.

“By working closely with institutions like Kyambogo University, we aim to build a skilled and knowledgeable

workforce that can drive the oil and gas sector forward while improving the lives of many Ugandans. 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,"Dulout said.

“This partnership builds 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.”

To promote national content, all EACOP’s tier one contractors and suppliers have made commitments to work with EACOP to support knowledge and build capacity among Ugandan recent graduates, technicians and instructors, professors, and lecturers from tertiary and vocational training institutions.

These commitments will be realized through the implementation of two key capacity building initiatives including internship or graduate training programs and training of trainer programs.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, Prof. Elly Katunguka, expressed his appreciation to EACOP for signing the MoU, emphasizing that it will enable Kyambogo University graduates to benefit from EACOP's offerings in capacity building, technology transfer, and exposure to various areas of its operations.

“Kyambogo University is one of the largest engineering training institutions in the country, graduating over 1,000 engineers last year. However, with limited job opportunities available nationwide, initiatives like this, which can absorb many of our graduates, are crucial and deeply appreciated," Prof. Katunguka said.

"Equally exciting is the trainer program, which 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.”

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 our contractors/suppliers and of interns with EACOP’s internal departments.

A total of 128 graduate trainees in Uganda and Tanzania have benefited from bespoke 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.