Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Monica Musenero greets EACOP) officials

By: Innocent Atuganyira

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Monica Musenero, has called for intensified communication about Uganda’s oil and gas projects as the country moves closer to its long-awaited first oil production, which is scheduled in the second half of 2026.

Musenero says Ugandans, particularly the youth, need to be adequately informed about the oil and gas developments so they can understand and appreciate the projects before production begins.

She made the remarks on Monday, August 31, 2026, while visiting East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Pump Station One in Kabaale, Hoima District, to assess its readiness ahead of President Yoweri Museveni’s visit to the oil and gas project on Wednesday.

The visit comes as EACOP advances towards commissioning and first oil. The pipeline project had reached 92.7 percent overall completion by August 31, according to the latest project update.

Musenero said her visit was aimed at assessing the level of information available to communities about the oil and gas developments in the region.

She emphasized the need to adequately inform the youth about the project so that they are not misled or used by individuals with selfish interests to oppose companies implementing the project.

Musenero further argued that effective communication would help address grievances and reduce campaigns against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, commonly known as EACOP.

John Bosco Habwomugisha, the Deputy Executive Director of EACOP, said significant developments have been made along the project infrastructure in both Uganda and Tanzania.

Habwomugisha, however, acknowledged that the project has faced several challenges, including what he described as attempts by some non-Ugandans to use Ugandans to oppose the project.

He said the grievances raised are being addressed and have since reduced.

Antoine Moreau, the EACOP Project Director, said the pipeline will undergo water testing before the first oil is transported to identify and address any possible faults.

Moreau said once oil production begins, crude oil will take about 17 weeks to travel from Pump Station One in Kabaale, Uganda, to Tanga Port in Tanzania.

He added that the KIP substation is expected to be ready by October 2026, noting that it will be critical to the operation of the pipeline system.

Fred Kabagambe Kalisa, the Presidential Advisor on Oil and Gas, said the oil and gas developments have already brought visible benefits to the region. He cited improved roads, employment opportunities, Hoima Stadium and Kabalega International Airport among the developments linked to the oil and gas sector.

Kabagambe also said hotel owners in the region have benefited from soft loans to upgrade their facilities to five-star standards and above, in preparation for increased business associated with the oil and gas industry.