Overview:

Twenty Ugandan specialists have graduated from an advanced automatic welding program under EACOP Ltd. and CPP Uganda to boost local expertise in the oil and gas sector.

BULIISA, Uganda — Twenty local specialists graduated from a specialized automatic welding training program at the Tilenga Main Camp on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project.

The program was a joint initiative between EACOP Ltd. and China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. Ltd., the lead contractor for the pipeline and above-ground installations. The initiative focused on transferring advanced technical expertise to the Ugandan workforce through the operation of the CPP G 1990 Series Automatic Welding Machine.

This technology is considered a cornerstone of modern pipeline construction, utilized for its precision and efficiency in maintaining quality standards across complex installations.

The curriculum combined theoretical and practical instruction, covering equipment recognition, debugging and advanced machine operation. Graduates practiced welding in 5G, flat, vertical and overhead positions, while also learning parameter setting, multi-pass welding and defect analysis.

Li Hua Ping, a senior welding expert at CPP Uganda, said the training demonstrates a commitment to a localization strategy through knowledge transfer.

These efforts not only improve the technical capabilities of local welders but also contribute to sustainable employment and the long-term development of Uganda’s oil and gas sector, Li said.

The ceremony was attended by the EACOP senior leadership team along with officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Petroleum Authority of Uganda.

The 1,443-kilometer pipeline will transport Uganda’s crude oil from Hoima to the Chongoleani peninsula near Tanga, Tanzania. The export system includes 296 kilometers of insulated and buried 24-inch pipeline in Uganda and 1,147 kilometers in Tanzania.

EACOP Ltd. is a special purpose company with shareholding by TotalEnergies at 62%, the Uganda National Oil Company and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corp. at 15% each, and CNOOC at 8%.