SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP FOR OPPORTUNITIES IN THE OIL & GAS SECTOR

On Tuesday 25^th February 2025, The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in partnership with the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Company Limited (CPP), Sinopec Uganda, and representatives of Ugandan Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) participated in the Supplier Development Workshop held at the Industry Enhancement Centre (IEC) Kololo. The session was aimed at discussing business opportunities for Ugandan SMEs in the Oil and Gas sector and address existing gaps such as ignorance of existing opportunities, unreliability of Ugandan suppliers, limited experience, non-compliance with international Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) standards, and unregistered suppliers.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Jimmy Mugerwa, the Project Director, IEC said that the centre was established to close the gaps in the Oil and Gas sector, facilitate networking, and enhance capabilities of Ugandan industries to participate in the sector.

Mr. Jassim Mugerwa, the National Content Officer, PAU tipped the SMEs on how to position themselves for potential opportunities in the sector, while emphasizing the importance of registering their businesses with the National Supplier Database. “More oil is yet to be discovered because exploration is still going on, which means that more opportunities are coming. There are also many linkages with other sectors so many other sectors can participate,” he said.

Mr. Gonza Ndawula, the Contracts and Procurement Officer, EACOP took the suppliers through the Expression of Interest, bidding, and contract awarding processes at EACOP and emphasized the importance of being informed, and following instructions when engaging with the oil and gas industry.