The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd. has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Industry Enhancement Centre (IEC) to strengthen local content initiatives and empower Ugandan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The IEC, established in 2024 by TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU) in collaboration with China National Offshore Oil Corporation Uganda Limited (CNOOC) and Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), was formed following the 2013 Industrial Baseline Survey (IBS) that highlighted the need for greater local participation in Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
The centre focuses on training, advisory services, and consultancy to help SMEs diversify services, enhance workforce skills, and achieve sustainable growth.
Under the agreement, EACOP Ltd. and IEC will disseminate EACOP-related business opportunities to Ugandan companies within the IEC’s networks, conduct IEC-led training programs, outreach activities, and stakeholder engagements across Kampala and other districts, and link EACOP’s contractors, subcontractors, and stakeholders with IEC programs to support SME development.
The partnership builds on EACOP’s ongoing efforts to increase local participation. The company has previously signed MoUs with professional and training institutions including the Institute of Surveyors of Uganda, Uganda Industrial Research Institute, Uganda Petroleum Institute, Kigumba (UPIK), Makerere University, and Kyambogo University.
Speaking at the signing event, EACOP Deputy Managing Director, JB Habumugisha, said, “This partnership with IEC underscores our commitment to empowering Ugandan businesses and maximizing local content. By working together, we aim to create opportunities for SMEs to grow, compete, and contribute sustainably to the oil and gas sector and the broader economy.”
Jimmy Mugerwa, Managing Director of Zoramu Consulting Group, added, “We are excited to collaborate with EACOP to provide Ugandan enterprises with the training, guidance, and networks they need to thrive. This MoU marks a significant step in building local capacity and ensuring that Ugandan companies play a key role in the development of our oil and gas industry.”
This collaboration signals a shared commitment to sustainable development, enhanced local content, and long-term capacity building for Ugandan SMEs.
