The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has urged Ugandan companies to get ready to compete for business opportunities as the country moves closer to producing its first oil in July 2026.
The call was made during a Supplier Development Forum held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, where EACOP Deputy Managing Director John-Bosco Habumugisha told local firms that many opportunities are coming during the operational and commissioning stages of the pipeline.
“Participate in every opportunity that is announced. If you don’t win, use it to enhance your skills and improve for the next bid,” Habumugisha said.
He noted that Ugandan companies can begin by taking on smaller technical assignments in areas such as electrical, mechanical, telecom, instrumentation and control commissioning to gain experience before bidding for larger contracts.
Habumugisha also said EACOP will continue supporting young Ugandans through training programs, adding that the oil and gas industry offers many chances for learning and employment.
At the same forum, Inspire Africa CEO Nick Mugira advised local businesses to improve how they present themselves to clients and project owners.
“EACOP has a lot of opportunities, but you the local companies here, you must present yourselves professionally and showcase your previous projects to compete for bigger contracts,” Mugira said.
He encouraged companies to keep proper records, update their websites and market their services, even when they fail to secure contracts at first.
More than 1,000 participants, both in person and online, attended the forum. These included companies offering services such as electrical works, water supply, psychosocial support and other services needed during the pipeline’s operation.
EACOP already works with several local suppliers in areas such as transport, security, waste management, catering, fuel supply, accommodation, civil works, land surveying and environmental services.
Uganda is expected to start producing oil in July 2026. The crude oil will be transported through the 1,443-kilometre EACOP pipeline from Kabaale in Hoima District to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanga Port in Tanzania. The pipeline is expected to carry up to 246,000 barrels of crude oil each day.