Oil & Gas

Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Fred Mwesigye, has emphasized the crucial role of the oil and gas sector in driving economic transformation in both countries. He highlighted the Uganda-Tanzania partnership, particularly the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), as a model for regional integration and mutual growth. According to Mwesigye, this partnership goes beyond infrastructure development to include strengthening the private sector, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable development.

Speaking at the Uganda-Tanzania Oil and Gas Networking Forum in Dar es Salaam on November 22, 2024, Mwesigye urged stakeholders to engage in knowledge-sharing and exploit the opportunities arising from the sector. "Today’s forum symbolizes the shared commitment of Uganda and Tanzania to harness the potential of our oil and gas resources for the benefit of our people," he said, emphasizing the long-term benefits that would stem from collaboration between both nations in the energy sector.

The forum, which attracted key stakeholders from both countries and the wider East African region, was organized by the High Commission of Uganda in Tanzania. The event’s theme, "Driving Transformation in Uganda and Tanzania’s Energy Vision," focused on regional integration, economic cooperation, and maximizing the potential of the oil and gas industry. Dr. James Mataragio, Tanzania’s Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, commended the visionary leadership of both countries' presidents, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Samia Suluhu Hassan, for establishing a partnership that has positioned Uganda and Tanzania as key energy players in the region.

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) team provided updates on the project’s progress, including milestones in pipeline construction and training initiatives designed to build local capacity. Approximately 52 kilometers of pipelines have already been welded, with plans underway to bury them underground. The project has created over 8,000 jobs so far, with the goal of providing 10,000 jobs. The EACOP team also outlined plans for future phases, including enhanced environmental protections and further partnerships with regional stakeholders to ensure sustainable development in the sector.