EACOP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Industry Enhancement Centre (IEC), marking a significant step in advancing National Content development and strengthening the capacity of Ugandan Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) participating in the oil and gas sector.
Established in 2024 by TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU), in partnership with the China National Offshore Oil Corporation Uganda Limited (CNOOC Uganda) and the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), the IEC was created following recommendations from the 2013 Industrial Baseline Survey (IBS), which identified the need to enhance local participation in the sector. The centre provides training, advisory services, business operations support, and financing guidance to help Ugandan enterprises effectively engage and grow within the industry.
Key Objectives of the MoU
Under this strategic partnership, EACOP Ltd. and IEC will work together to:
- Ensure timely dissemination of business opportunities from EACOP, its contractors, and subcontractors to IEC-registered companies.
- Organize and deliver IEC-led trainings, stakeholder engagements, and capacity-building programs across Kampala and other districts.
- Expand EACOP’s network of contractors and subcontractors to support IEC’s programs and enrich industry-wide collaboration.
This partnership builds on EACOP’s ongoing efforts to promote local participation. To date, EACOP has signed MoUs with leading professional bodies and industry institutions such as the Institute of Surveyors of Uganda and the Uganda Industrial Research Institute. The project has also collaborated with major tertiary institutions, including the Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK), Makerere University, and Kyambogo University, all aimed at strengthening skills and maximizing value retention in Uganda.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. JB Habumugisha, Deputy Managing Director of EACOP, reiterated EACOP’s commitment to national content development: “This partnership with the Industry Enhancement Centre underscores our unwavering commitment to empowering Ugandan businesses and maximizing local content. By working together, we aim to create opportunities for SMEs to grow, compete, and sustainably contribute to the oil and gas sector and the broader economy.”
Mr. Jimmy Mugerwa, Managing Director of Zoramu Consulting Group, welcomed the collaboration, saying: “We are excited to collaborate with EACOP Ltd. to provide Ugandan enterprises with the training, guidance, and networks they need to thrive. This MoU represents a significant step forward in building local capacity and ensuring that Ugandan companies are key players in the development of our country’s oil and gas industry.”
This strategic collaboration highlights the commitment of both institutions to fostering sustainable development, strengthening national content, and building long-term capacity for Ugandan SMEs.
