EACOP ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR GREATER KAMPALA YOUTH COUNCIL LEADERS

On December 18, 2024, EACOP hosted an engagement program specifically designed for the Greater Kampala Youth Council Leaders at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, Uganda. This event served as a platform for youth leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the EACOP project and its implications for the region.

The primary goal of the engagement was to educate youth leaders about the progress of the EACOP project, emphasizing its social and economic benefits as well as the commitment to environmental and social safeguards. The event featured a range of key presentations from prominent stakeholders, including the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) and the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC).

Eileen Baguma, Our HR and Corporate Affairs Director, opened the engagement on behalf of the Managing Director. She highlighted the project’s dedication to transparency and collaboration, setting a positive tone for the discussions that followed.

Presentations covered critical updates on the Tilenga and Kingfisher oil fields, as well as EACOP and the Kabaale Industrial Park. These flagship projects are recognized as key drivers of economic growth and employment in Uganda and Tanzania.

EACOP representatives provided in-depth insights into ongoing activities related to land and social management, corporate social responsibility (CSR), national content, human rights, and environmental safeguards. Special attention was given to biodiversity management and energy sustainability, ensuring that local communities benefit from the project.

One of the most engaging aspects of the event was the interactive Q&A session. Youth leaders had the opportunity to engage directly with project representatives, raising important questions about employment opportunities, environmental concerns, and community development. The discussions were characterized by candidness, transparency, and a solution-driven approach, demonstrating EACOP’s commitment to addressing stakeholder concerns.

The Youth leaders emphasized the need for ongoing institutional engagement with the community, site visits for field experience, enhanced climate change and social governance discussions, the signing and actualization of MOUs with institutions, consideration of graduate trainees for placements with EACOP subcontractors, more deliberate national content engagement with youth across all project areas, and a focused approach to creating more job opportunities and skill development for young people.

In closing, Didas Muhangizi, a representative from PAU, emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and the active participation of youth in Uganda’s energy sector. He encouraged participants to remain engaged and take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in the oil and gas industry.

The engagement program marked a significant step towards fostering a collaborative relationship between EACOP and the youth leaders of Greater Kampala. It provided valuable insights into the EACOP project and empowered young leaders to play an active role in shaping the future of Uganda’s energy landscape. EACOP demonstrates its commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive energy sector that benefits all stakeholders through these initiatives.