Uganda praises EACOP progress in Tanzania

TABORA: UGANDA’S Ambassador to Tanzania, retired Colonel Fred Mwesigye, has praised the progress of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, highlighting its potential to significantly boost the economies of both countries while creating job opportunities.

During a visit by leaders from the French Embassy in Tanzania and Uganda to the project’s coating yard at Sojo village, Nzega District, Ambassador Mwesigye noted that EACOP is one of the largest projects ever undertaken in Africa and will leave a lasting impact on both nations, which have a history of collaboration on development initiatives.

Representing Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Mwesigye emphasised the importance of the coating yard, which prepares pipes for installation along the 1,443-kilometre route from Hoima in Uganda to Chongoleani in Tanzania. “This is a crucial area for the project’s execution,” he stated.

The ambassador highlighted the economic benefits of EACOP, including increased tax revenue and job creation for local companies and unskilled workers along the pipeline route in eight regions of Tanzania.

He expressed satisfaction with the project’s advancements since his last visit two years ago, noting the commencement of production in one section of the factory.

Mwesigye also encouraged Members of Parliament from both Uganda and Tanzania to visit the site together to witness the progress.

In response to criticisms regarding the project’s social and environmental impacts, he dismissed them, describing them as propaganda, asserting that the project is vital for the economic growth of East Africa.

“We cannot stop them from speaking; we will continue with this project to support our citizens,” he stated.

Managing Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, Ernest Rubondo, echoed the ambassador’s sentiments, expressing satisfaction with the project’s progress.

He said that the advanced technology used in manufacturing the pipes and noted that a significant portion of the workforce comprises local Tanzanians, who will gain valuable skills for future projects.

“This is a great advantage for Tanzanians, as much of the project’s implementation occurs here,” Rubondo said, welcoming the presence of representatives from the Energy and Water Regulatory Authority (EWURA) of Tanzania, which reflects strong collaboration between the two countries. Outgoing Managing Director of EACOP, Martin Tiffen, assured that the project complies with international standards, including the compensation of Project Affected Persons (PAPs).

He stated that once the pipeline is installed efforts will be made to restore the vegetation, allowing local communities to resume their daily activities. Gerald Maganga, Director of Petroleum from EWURA, expressed satisfaction with the efficient operation of the Sojo factory, which will expedite the laying of pipes along the route.

The EACOP project involves four stakeholders, namely TotalEnergies that holds 62 per cent, the energy and oil authorities of Tanzania and Uganda each holding 15 per cent and a Chinese company that owns 8 per cent.