Following a high-level field visit from the Republic of Uganda to the United Republic of Tanzania; the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Project hosted a site visit delegation from the 5th of January to the 7th of January 2026. The Ugandan delegation was led by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Dr. Canon Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu.
The visit commenced with a courtesy meeting at the Ministry of Energy in Dar es Salaam, where Tanzania’s Minister for Energy, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, warmly welcomed the guest Minister and her delegation. During the meeting, the Minister reiterated the Government of Tanzania’s commitment both as a Host Government and a shareholder to ensuring the smooth, timely, and successful completion of this strategic regional project for the mutual benefit of both countries. Hon. Minister Ndejembi subsequently delegated the site visits to his Deputy, Hon. Salome Makamba, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Energy, who accompanied the delegation during the field engagements.
In her remarks, Hon. Dr. Nankabirwa congratulated the Government of Tanzania and conveyed appreciation to H.E. the President of the United Republic of Tanzania for the unwavering support extended to the EACOP Project. She further emphasized that the EACOP is regarded as a pioneer project which will provide employment opportunities for other upcoming oil and gas projects.
On the second day, following briefings in Dar es Salaam, the delegation proceeded to Tanga City, where the Project’s Marine Terminal & Tanks (MTT) and Jetty facilities are located. The delegation was hosted by Hon. Salome Makamba, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Energy, alongside Guillaume Dulout, the EACOP Managing Director. The visit provided the delegation with a firsthand opportunity to observe the progress achieved in advancing construction activities.
While in Tanga, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Regional Commissioner of Tanga Region, Hon. Amb. Dr. Batilda S. Burian, who commended the visible progress of EACOP facilities in the region, including the Marine Terminal & Tanks and the Jetty. She emphasized the project’s role in transforming livelihoods through employment creation and capacity building and highlighted EACOP’s strong social performance and environmental stewardship in line with its Zero Harm Policy.
The delegation also visited Project Affected Persons (PAPs), where they observed the positive impact of the project on affected households. These engagements highlighted the successful implementation of project support programs, including improved housing and livelihood restoration initiatives, which have contributed to meaningful improvements in the lives of local communities.
On the final day, the 7th of January 2026, the delegation visited the Sigi River area to observe the state-of-the-art technology being employed by the project. Concluding the visit, Hon. Dr. Nankabirwa expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of the EACOP Project and appreciation for the warm reception extended by both the Government of Tanzania and EACOP management.
“From the outset, citizens of both Tanzania and Uganda have benefited from the project through the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), improved housing, livelihood restoration programs, skills training, and employment opportunities. During our engagements, we met Project Affected Persons who shared how they have acquired new skills and gained employment as a result of the project,” said Hon. Dr. Canon Ruth Nankabirwa.
She further commended the commitment demonstrated by H.E. the Presidents of Uganda and Tanzania in ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of the project. She also acknowledged the leadership of the Tanga Region and local communities for their hospitality and support and praised EACOP and its shareholders for maintaining strong project execution aligned with agreed timelines.
In her remarks, Hon. Salome Makamba, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Energy, commended the progress of the EACOP Project and reaffirmed the Government of Tanzania’s readiness to support the project through to completion. She highlighted the positive impact the project has already had on local communities, particularly in Tanga through employment creation and increased local participation, and noted the significant long-term benefits expected for the country’s economy and energy sector.
Beyond construction, the EACOP Project is expected to generate lasting benefits. Once operational, the pipeline has the potential to benefit not only Tanzania and Uganda but also neighbouring countries, contributing to broader regional development. Importantly, future generations will benefit from skills transfer, economic growth, and the long-term infrastructure legacy created by the project.
Upon completion of construction, the pipeline right of way will be fully reinstated, ensuring environmental restoration and continued community use in line with EACOP’s project commitments.
Note:
The Ugandan delegation comprised of senior officials from, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD); Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC); and the Ugandan High Commission. Key participants included: H.E Rtd. Col. Amb. Fred Mwesigye; Eng. Geoffrey Ogwang, Acting Commissioner, Midstream Department; Eng. Herbert Mugizi, Acting Commissioner and EACOP Project Coordinator; Mr. Mathias Katamba, Board Chairman, UNOC; Ms. Zulaika Mirembe Kasaija, Board Chair NPC; Gilbert Kamuntu, Chief Commercial Officer; Rashid Otika, Ag General Manager NPC; Mr. Tony Otoa, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Mr. Johann Kisekulo Head of Joint Ventures and Partnerships.
EACOP was represented by members of its senior management team, including, Mr. Guillaume Dulout, Managing Director; Mr. John Bosco Habumugisha, Deputy Managing Director; Mr. Geofrey Mponda, Ag. General Manager Tanzania; Ms. Barbara Nabuweke, Legal Director, Compliance Officer and Company Secretary; Ms. Evelyne Amasi, Government Relations Manager Tanzania and Ismail Nsereko, Government Relations Manager Uganda.
Senior officials from the Government of Tanzania were from, the Ministry for Energy; The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA). Key participants included: Dr. James Mataragio, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Petroleum and Gas); Marwa Petro, Ag. Commissioner for Petroleum Development; Petro Lyatuu, DPP; Anna Ngowi, Director Legal Services; Melania Nyimbo, EACOP Project Coordinator; Mussa Makame, TPDC; Safiel Msovu, Investment Manager and EACOP Project Coordinator; Aldo Makendi, EACOP Project Coordinator; Lwaga Kibona, DPI; Ahmad Massa, DFA; Emmanuel Gilbert, DPI; together with Eng. Shaban Sulemain, Manager TC, EWURA; Mr. George M. Kabelwa, Manager ERLI, EWURA.
