The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has called on local companies in the oil and gas sector to actively compete for emerging business opportunities as the country nears the extraction of its first oil in July 2026.
Speaking at the Supplier Development Forum held recently at Kampala’s Sheraton Hotel, EACOP Deputy Managing Director, John-Bosco Habumugisha emphasized the importance of readiness and competitiveness among local suppliers during the operational and commissioning phases of the project.
“Participate in every opportunity that is announced. If you don’t win, use it to enhance your skills and improve for the next bid,” Habumugisha said.
He highlighted key technical areas such as electrical, mechanical, telecom, instrumentation and control commissioning as immediate opportunities for Ugandan companies to build capacity and gain experience for larger contracts in the future.Habumugisha also reaffirmed EACOP’s commitment to continue training young Ugandans in the oil and gas sector, stressing that the emerging industry presents significant learning and employment opportunities for those willing to engage.
Nick Mugira, the CEO of Inspire Africa, encouraged local companies to build and strengthen their profiles, document their bids, update websites, and market their services effectively. “EACOP has a lot of opportunities, but you the local companies here, you must present yourselves professionally and showcase your previous projects to compete for bigger contracts,” he said, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of initial setbacks.
The forum brought together over 1,000 physical and virtual participants, from local companies dealing in electrical, water supply, psychosocial support, and other essential services required during the operational and commissioning phases of EACOP.
EACOP currently engages a number of local suppliers across its target areas, including but not limited to transportation, security, waste management, foods and beverages, fuel supply, hotel and accommodation, civil works, land surveying, environmental studies and impact assessment, among others. The forum comes at a time when Uganda is preparing to commence oil production in July 2026, with crude oil expected to be transported through the 1,443-kilometre EACOP pipeline from Kabaale in Hoima District to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanzania’s Tanga Port. The pipeline is projected to transport up to 246,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
