Ugandan SMEs target Oil and Gas opportunities at supplier workshop

A collaborative effort aimed at boosting Ugandan Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) participation in the burgeoning oil and gas sector took center stage at the Industry Enhancement Centre (IEC) in Kololo on Wednesday.

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), in partnership with the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Company Limited (CPP), Sinopec Uganda, and local SME representatives, convened a Supplier Development Workshop focused on unlocking business opportunities.

The workshop addressed critical challenges hindering SME involvement, including a lack of awareness of available opportunities, concerns over supplier reliability, limited experience, non-compliance with international Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards, and the prevalence of unregistered suppliers.

Mr. Jimmy Mugerwa, Project Director of the IEC, highlighted the centre’s pivotal role in bridging these gaps. “The IEC was established to facilitate networking and enhance the capabilities of Ugandan industries, ensuring they can actively participate in the oil and gas sector,” he stated.

Jassim Mugerwa, National Content Officer at the PAU, provided valuable insights on how SMEs can strategically position themselves to capitalize on potential opportunities. He emphasized the crucial step of registering businesses with the National Supplier Database.

“More oil is yet to be discovered because exploration is still going on, which means that more opportunities are coming. There are also many linkages with other sectors so many other sectors can participate,” he explained, underscoring the sector’s long-term potential.

Gonza Ndawula, Contracts and Procurement Officer for EACOP, provided a detailed overview of the Expression of Interest, bidding, and contract awarding processes within the pipeline project. He stressed the importance of thorough preparation and adherence to industry guidelines.

“Being informed and following instructions is critical when engaging with the oil and gas industry,” Ndawula advised.

The workshop served as a crucial platform for knowledge sharing and networking, fostering stronger connections between Ugandan SMEs and key players in the oil and gas sector. The event signals a concerted effort to maximize local content and ensure Ugandan businesses benefit from the country’s growing energy resources.