Uganda’s oil and gas sector has made notable advancements in enhancing national content, showcasing how various companies are committed to fostering local participation, building capacity, and facilitating technology transfer.
The 5th Annual National Content Conference, which took place on November 28 to 29, 2024, served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to share their experiences, address challenges, and discuss successes related to national content initiatives. Attendees included representatives from the government, oil and gas companies, and local businesses.
Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC)
The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has been a key player in promoting national content. Emphasising capacity building, technology transfer, and local engagement, UNOC has made substantial progress in enhancing the skills and capabilities of Ugandans. Peninah Aheebwa, Director of Economic and National Content Monitoring at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), remarked, “UNOC’s commitment to national content is evident in its efforts to develop the skills and capabilities of Ugandans. We are proud of the progress made so far and look forward to continued success in the future.”
East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has also contributed significantly to the promotion of national content. By prioritizing local participation and capacity building, EACOP has offered internships to 40 graduate trainees and provided training for over 80 individuals through the Industrial Enhancement Center (IEC). In addition, EACOP has established memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Makerere University and UPIK.
ZPEB Uganda Co. Limited
ZPEB Uganda Co. Limited has shown its dedication to national content through its initiatives in local procurement, capacity building, and technology transfer. The company has invested over $26 million in local goods and services, collaborated with more than 20 Ugandan supplier companies, and trained over 473 Ugandans in various skills.
CNOOC’s Contributions
China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has also played a significant role in promoting national content. With a focus on local participation and capacity building, CNOOC has achieved an impressive 83.3% completion rate in infrastructure development, successfully drilled 12 wells, and trained over 1,342 individuals in technical skills. A CNOOC representative remarked, “We believe that our efforts will contribute to the development of Uganda’s oil and gas sector and have a positive impact on the local economy.”
The initiatives undertaken by UNOC, EACOP, ZPEB, and CNOOC demonstrate the dedication of oil and gas companies in Uganda to enhancing national content. As the sector continues to evolve, it is vital to build on these successes to create more avenues for local participation, capacity building, and technology transfer.
The phrase “Energy for a Better Future” encapsulates the ongoing efforts of these companies in Uganda, driving growth in the oil and gas sector and fostering positive impacts on the local economy and communities.
Key Statistics:
– 1,342 individuals trained in technical skills by CNOOC.
– 505 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) supported by UNOC.
– 83.3% completion rate in infrastructure development achieved by CNOOC.
– 12 successful wells drilled by CNOOC.
– $26 million invested in local goods and services by ZPEB.
– 473 Ugandans trained in various skills by ZPEB.
Read the related story:Uganda’s 5th Annual National Content Conference Opens
