A total of 141 students have graduated from the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Academy, a flagship vocational training program jointly implemented by EACOP Ltd and the Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK).
The graduates received specialized training in Mechanical, Electrical, Production, Instrumentation, Leadership, and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) disciplines — marking a major milestone in EACOP’s commitment to advancing local capacity and promoting national content in Uganda and Tanzania.
Launched in August 2024, the EACOP Academy was created to equip young people with the technical and professional skills needed to support the midstream oil and gas sector. Of the 141 trainees, 25% were women, and 80% came from communities along the pipeline route, reflecting EACOP’s emphasis on inclusivity and community-driven development.
The Academy builds on the success of the EACOP Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), which attracted over 23,000 registrations and recorded more than 12,000 completions. From this pool, 110 trainees from Tanzania and 31 from Uganda were selected for intensive, hands-on training at UPIK, tailored to both national development goals and EACOP’s operational needs across East Africa.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mr. JB Habumugisha, Deputy Managing Director of EACOP Ltd, applauded the graduates for their dedication and resilience:
“This is what the EACOP Academy stands for — building a skilled workforce and, more importantly, a community of professionals ready to take responsibility for one of the most ambitious energy projects on the continent. These graduates will play a crucial role in operating and maintaining the pipeline, and we are confident in their ability to uphold the highest industry standards.”
Mr. Habumugisha further emphasized that the Academy’s mission extends beyond technical competence, focusing also on leadership, accountability, and professional ethics among young people entering the energy sector.
Mr. Bernard Ongodia, Director of UPIK, praised EACOP’s partnership for enhancing the institute’s technical training capacity and opening new pathways for learners.
“Our students have demonstrated exceptional technical ability across various disciplines. This programme has not only enhanced their skills but has also transformed their lives and career aspirations,” he said.
The event was attended by members of the EACOP Senior Leadership Team (SLT), officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), and representatives from UPIK’s management and training faculty.
EACOP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting local talent development, economic growth, and sustainability within the region.
