EACOPS Participation at the 8th Uganda International Oil and Gas Summit 2023

The 8th edition of the Uganda International Oil and Gas Summit (UIOGS) took place on November 21st and 22nd, 2023, serving as a gathering point for industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on Uganda’s oil and gas transformation. East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) actively engaged as an official partner, significantly contributing to discussions on seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and fostering a sustainable future in the sector.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja inaugurated the summit on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, expressing gratitude to all oil and gas industry players for their collaborative efforts that have propelled Uganda’s success in projects like EACOP. Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, praised the sector’s tremendous progress.

A pivotal moment occurred during the conference with the keynote speech by Mr. John Bosco Habumugisha, Deputy Managing Director of EACOP, in Session Four, which focused on the EACOP project. He stressed the significance of effective communication, emphasizing stakeholders’ need for access to accurate information. He underscored EACOP’s commitment to transparency through a continually updated website in collaboration with the Ugandan government, ensuring the widespread dissemination of information related to the environmentally friendly project.

The conference also featured a panel discussion moderated by Pamela Natamba, Tax and Oil & Gas Leader at PwC Uganda, concentrating on recent updates regarding the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the EACOP project. Mr. Paul Junior, Senior Environment Inspector at NEMA, affirmed EACOP’s compliance with all ESIA requirements, emphasizing adherence to environmental standards. Mr. Habumugisha reiterated during the panel discussion that EACOP’s website (http://eacop.com/ ) serves as a comprehensive source of information, aligning with international best practices. He expressed EACOP’s commitment to completing the pipeline by 2025, acknowledging positive decisions surrounding the project and expressing satisfaction with progress in exploration, development, and job creation within the sector.

Rose Birungi, EACOP’s Land & Social Manager, provided insights into the project’s social impact in Uganda. Out of the 3,660 Project Affected Persons, 95% had signed their compensation agreements. In addition to statutory compensation, EACOP included a 30% disturbance increase and a 15% uplift, demonstrating the company’s commitment to fair compensation.

Gilbert Ituka, Environmental Officer for Western Uganda, Ministry of Water and Environment, reassured the public that EACOP avoids crossing ecologically sensitive areas of the River Nile and Lake Victoria, minimizing the project’s environmental impact.

EACOP’s active participation in the 8th Uganda International Oil and Gas Summit highlighted the company’s dedication to environmental responsibility, social impact, and transparent communication. Emphasizing effective stakeholder engagement, adherence to environmental standards, and the goal of completion by 2025, EACOP plays a pivotal role in Uganda’s oil and gas sector, contributing to economic growth and sustainable development in the region.