20 Ugandans earn international oil, gas certifications
At the EACOP project alone, it has created about 12,000 jobs, significantly surpassing the initial target of 7,500.
Staff from CPP and EACOP pose for a group photo with the graduates. (Courtesy)
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Twenty Ugandan professionals have earned internationally recognised certifications in occupational health and safety and non-destructive testing (NDT), equipping them with skills required in the oil and gas sector and other industrial operations.
The professionals completed specialised training sponsored by China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. Ltd. (CPP), the main construction contractor for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), under the company's National Content Plan.
The training, conducted in Kampala in partnership with Sunmaker, saw 10 participants obtain the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) in Occupational Health and Safety, while another 10 completed Level II training in Non-Destructive Testing.
The NEBOSH qualification provides knowledge in workplace health and safety management, including hazard identification, risk assessment, risk control and safety performance monitoring. These competencies are considered critical in ensuring safe operations in high-risk industries such as oil and gas.
The NDT training covered Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) and Penetrant Testing (PT), techniques used to inspect materials, welds and components without causing damage. The methods help detect defects, maintain quality standards and ensure the integrity of critical infrastructure.
Industry experts regard non-destructive testing and occupational safety certification as essential skills in the construction, operation and maintenance of oil and gas facilities.
Pool of certified Ugandans
Speaking during the certification ceremony, CPP national content manager Zhang Haitao said the company remained committed to supporting skills development among Ugandans even as pipeline construction activities near completion.
He said the certifications would help build a workforce capable of supporting the country's growing oil and gas industry beyond the EACOP project.
The latest training adds to a series of capacity-building programmes implemented by CPP, including welding training, side-boom operator courses, graduate internship programmes, trainer development initiatives, international training opportunities and scholarships.
The certifications are expected to enhance the employability of the beneficiaries while increasing the country's pool of skilled personnel available for oil and gas projects and related industrial sectors.
Fulcrum site civil engineer Monge Samuel, who underwent NDT Training, said, “The skills gained will help me contribute to maintaining the integrity and reliability of infrastructure in the oil and gas sector.”
CPP permits co-ordinator Nahebwa Lincoln said, “The NEBOSH training has enhanced my knowledge of occupational health and safety, particularly hazard identification, risk assessment and workplace safety management.”
The development comes two months after civil works for EACOP entered the final stages to completion with the launch of Commissioning activities.
EACOP contractors intensified commissioning activities, testing all the systems ahead of the launch of oil production.
The launch of the Commissioning activities, he said, marks the last phase of the project ahead of first oil expected before the end of 2026.
According to Moreau, the EACOP commissioning activities had been planned to commence in May this year, but the Middle East crisis grounded much of the equipment needed at sea.
CPP is the main contractor for the 1,443-kilometre EACOP, which will transport crude oil from Kabaale in Hoima district to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. The pipeline project is being implemented by EACOP Ltd, whose shareholders include TotalEnergies, CNOOC, the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).
Opportunities
The development stage has presented many opportunities for Ugandan companies and employment for locals and skilled workers.
At the EACOP project alone, it has created about 12,000 jobs, significantly surpassing the initial target of 7,500.
Under the Tilenga Project, an estimated 10,000 workers are currently deployed across various project sites.
Of the total, about 7,000 are working within the industrial area, while another 3,000 are engaged in well drilling and other production-related activities.
The workforce operates in shifts to accelerate project implementation and align progress with other critical project components required to achieve First Oil.