Uganda, Tanzania ministers review progress of crude oil pipeline

Dar es Salaam/Tanga, Jan 7, 2026 — The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project hosted a high-level Ugandan government delegation this week, underscoring renewed political backing from both Kampala and Dodoma as construction advances on one of the region’s most strategic energy investments.

The delegation, led by Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Dr. Canon Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, conducted a three-day site visit from January 5 to 7, 2026, following an official field mission to Tanzania. The visit focused on assessing construction progress, community impact, and cross-border coordination on the 1,443-kilometre pipeline that will transport Ugandan crude oil to the Tanzanian port of Tanga.

The visit opened in Dar es Salaam with a courtesy meeting at Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy, where the Minister for Energy, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to the project both as host government and shareholder. He emphasized the government’s support for the timely and successful delivery of EACOP, describing it as a flagship regional infrastructure project with long-term economic significance. Oversight of the field engagements was subsequently delegated to Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Salome Makamba.

Dr. Nankabirwa praised the Government of Tanzania and President Samia Suluhu Hassan for sustained political support, noting that EACOP is widely viewed as a pioneer project that is already building capacity and creating a workforce for future oil and gas developments in the region.

On the second day, the delegation travelled to Tanga, home to the project’s Marine Terminal & Tanks (MTT) and Jetty facilities. Accompanied by Deputy Minister Makamba and EACOP Managing Director Guillaume Dulout, the delegation reviewed construction activities and received technical briefings on progress at the export terminal.

While in Tanga, the delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Regional Commissioner for Tanga Region, Hon. Amb. Dr. Batilda S. Burian, who highlighted the project’s visible footprint in the area. She cited employment creation, skills development, and EACOP’s environmental and social performance, noting alignment with the project’s Zero Harm Policy.

Community engagement formed a key part of the visit. The delegation met with Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and observed outcomes of the Resettlement Action Plan, including improved housing, livelihood restoration programs, and skills training. Ugandan officials noted that these initiatives have translated into tangible income opportunities and improved living standards for local households.

On the final day, the delegation visited the Sigi River crossing to observe the advanced construction and environmental protection technologies being deployed. Concluding the tour, Dr. Nankabirwa expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, as well as appreciation for the reception by Tanzanian authorities and EACOP management.

“From the outset, citizens of both Tanzania and Uganda have benefited through resettlement, improved housing, livelihood restoration, skills training, and employment,” Dr. Nankabirwa said. “We met affected persons who shared how the project has enabled them to acquire new skills and secure jobs.”

She also commended the leadership of the Presidents of Uganda and Tanzania for maintaining momentum on the project and praised regional and local authorities in Tanga for their cooperation.

Deputy Minister Salome Makamba reiterated Tanzania’s readiness to support EACOP through to completion, highlighting early socio-economic gains in Tanga and the project’s expected long-term contribution to Tanzania’s economy and energy sector.

Beyond construction, EACOP is positioned as a catalyst for regional development. Once operational, the pipeline is expected to generate export revenues, facilitate skills transfer, and leave a long-term infrastructure legacy benefiting Uganda, Tanzania, and potentially neighboring countries. EACOP has also committed to fully reinstating the pipeline right of way after construction, ensuring environmental restoration and continued community use.

The delegation included senior officials from Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, the Uganda National Oil Company, and the Ugandan High Commission, alongside EACOP’s senior management and representatives from Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, and the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority.