Oil pipeline project safeguards critical water source for Hoima's Kijumba community
In addition to safeguarding the spring, CPP, which is the main contractor of the EACOP project, rehabilitated a nearby community borehole approximately 50 metres from the RoW, which had previously been non-functional.
A new water collection point identical in design to the original was constructed outside the RoW while still drawing from the same natural spring. (Courtesy Photo)
HOIMA - Over 900 residents of Kijumba village in Hoima district-based Kabaale sub-county now have renewed assurance of continued access to clean water following an intervention to protect a vital community spring during pipeline construction.
The shallow spring well at Kilometre Point (KP) 2.5 along the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) route was identified during pre-clearance activities as lying within the pipeline right-of-way (RoW) and close to the planned welding line.
Constructed in 2008 under the Poverty Action Fund (PAF), the well has long served as a primary water source for households in Kijumba village.
Recognising its importance, project teams took deliberate steps to preserve the water source. During vegetation clearance and topsoil stripping in October 2025, the area surrounding the spring was left undisturbed to prevent contamination.
As construction advanced to critical stages, including trenching, welding, and pipe lowering in February 2026, the China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. Ltd (CPP), in collaboration with community leaders and technical teams, implemented a sustainable solution.
A new water collection point identical in design to the original was constructed outside the RoW while still drawing from the same natural spring.
This approach ensured that both the water quality and flow rate remained unchanged, while allowing construction activities to proceed safely.
Kijumba Village Local Council I Chairperson, Robert Mucunguzi, welcomed the intervention, noting that it addressed community concerns about the potential loss of their primary water source.
“This spring is very important to our community because many families depend on it every day. We appreciate that the project team listened to our concerns and found a solution that allows construction to continue while protecting our water source,” he said.
Residents also expressed relief at the outcome. Mariam Akiiki, a beneficiary of the water source, said the community had initially feared losing access to the well.
“This well has supported our families for many years. When construction started nearby, we were worried it might affect us. We are grateful that the water source has been preserved and that a new collection point has been provided,” she said in late March 2026
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In addition to safeguarding the spring, CPP, which is the main contractor of the EACOP project, rehabilitated a nearby community borehole approximately 50 metres from the RoW, which had previously been non-functional.
The restored borehole is now fully operational, providing an additional reliable source of clean water for residents.
This intervention is expected to ensure that Kijumba residents continue to access safe, clean and reliable water throughout the construction period and beyond.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline Company (EACOP) Ltd, on January 24, 2023, received a licence for the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.
The construction licence has enabled the development of the 1,443km, 24-inch diameter thermal-insulated and buried crude oil pipeline.
The License was granted by the energy ministry, following the satisfactory application submitted in compliance and accordance with Section 10 of the Petroleum (Refining, Conversion, Transmission, and Midstream Storage) Act 2013, Regulation 59 of the Petroleum (Refining, Conversion, Transmission, and Midstream Storage) Act 2016, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Special Provisions Act 2021.