EACOP, Buganda Kingdom join forces to conserve environment

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Buganda Kingdom to strengthen collaboration on environmental conservation and community development.

The partnership will focus on two key initiatives: advancing tree growing under Ekibira Kya Kabaka and constructing a modern community sports centre in Buddu County, Masaka District.

As part of the collaboration, the Buganda Kingdom has committed 120 acres of land for tree growing and 10 acres for the development of a state-of-the-art sports centre. EACOP will provide financial support for the facility, which is designed to nurture talent, promote fitness, and serve as a hub for youth empowerment and community engagement.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at Bulange, Kampala, EACOP Managing Director, Mr. Guillaume Dulout, remarked, “This MoU reflects our long-term commitment to advancing sustainability and socio-economic development. By restoring ecosystems through tree planting and supporting the sports centre, we are investing in initiatives that will deliver lasting value for communities and the environment.”

Buganda Kingdom’s Katikkiro, Owekitibwa Charles Peter Mayiga, commended the collaboration, stating, “The Kingdom cherishes partnerships that address urgent challenges such as climate change, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment. Through Ekibira Ky’Abataka and the new community sports centre, we are creating a legacy of resilience, opportunity, and growth for our people.”

Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, was present to witness the occasion. She commended EACOP and the Buganda Kingdom for forging a partnership that strengthens environmental conservation and community development.

The collaboration aligns with EACOP’s Social Economic Investment pillars, which prioritize environmental protection and youth empowerment. It also acknowledges the significance of the Buganda Kingdom to the pipeline’s route, as seven of the ten pipeline districts lie within the Kingdom, covering over 130 villages across four counties.