EACOP Leadership Visits Kigumba Institute, Commends Training Impact

The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) recently visited the Uganda Petroleum Institute, Kigumba (UPIK), to assess the progress of the EACOP Academy and interact with trainees enrolled in the flagship vocational programme.

The visit brought together key stakeholders from government, regulatory bodies, academia, and the private sector.

Among the dignitaries present were H.E. Maj. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Uganda; Mr. Ernest Rubondo, Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU); senior officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD); UPIK leadership and trainers; members of the EACOP SLT; and all 141 current trainees of the EACOP Academy.

Launched in August 2024, the EACOP Academy is a cornerstone initiative aimed at building local capacity to support midstream oil and gas operations in the region. The Academy currently supports 141 trainees—25% of whom are female—with 80% drawn from communities along the pipeline route.

The programme is an evolution of the EACOP Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), which attracted over 23,000 registrants and saw more than 12,000 completions. From this pool, 110 trainees were selected from Tanzania via the EACOP MOOC, and 31 from Uganda through the Tilenga MOOC. The Academy delivers hands-on, practical training aligned with national development goals and the operational needs of the EACOP project across East Africa.

In his keynote address, EACOP Managing Director Guillaume Dulout underscored the broader vision behind the Academy:
“This is what the EACOP Academy stands for—building a skilled workforce, yes—but more importantly, building a community of professionals ready to take responsibility for one of the most ambitious energy projects on the continent.”
He stressed that the Academy aims to instill not only technical competence but also leadership, accountability, and strong professional ethics.

Mr. Bernard Ongodia, Director of UPIK, expressed gratitude for EACOP’s continued support, noting that the partnership has greatly enhanced the institute’s training capabilities and expanded opportunities for its learners.

During the visit, guests toured UPIK’s vocational training workshops, where trainees showcased their technical abilities and shared moving testimonials about how the programme has positively impacted their lives and career goals.

To cap the day’s events, a friendly football match was held between the EACOP SLT and Academy trainees. The spirited game ended in a 1–0 win for the students, drawing cheers from the crowd. More than a match, it served as a powerful moment of connection and camaraderie between EACOP leadership and the young professionals they are nurturing.

The visit underscored several key themes: the Academy’s growing contribution to regional development; the tangible impact it is having on the lives of trainees; and the importance of sustained collaboration. It also reaffirmed institutional commitment to preparing a skilled and ethical workforce to power East Africa’s energy future.