Energy Minister tours EACOP as pipeline enters final phase ahead of first oil

What the report says

Uganda’s Energy and Mineral Development Minister, Monica Musenero, has toured Pump Station One of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in Kabaale, Hoima District, as the country steps up preparations for first oil. Watchdog Uganda reported that the visit allowed her and her delegation to review progress on the project, which is intended to move crude from the Kingfisher and Tilenga oil fields to Tanzania’s coast for export.

The article says Pump Station One is the zero point of the 1,443-kilometre heated pipeline, with 296 kilometres in Uganda and 1,147 kilometres in Tanzania. EACOP Deputy Managing Director John Bosco Habumugisha said the project is 92% complete and has entered a stage of commissioning and testing alongside remaining construction work. He said the focus is now on operational readiness, including key systems at Pump Station One, fibre-optic infrastructure and the heating system.

Musenero framed the project as part of Uganda’s broader economic and industrial development, saying oil and gas should support social, technological and economic transformation and create wider value chains and jobs. She also noted the global debate over fossil fuels, while arguing that Uganda contributes little to global emissions and should develop its resources responsibly. The comments reflect the government’s position; as a general matter, EACOP has also drawn scrutiny from environmental campaigners and financing critics, though those views were not detailed in the report.

According to the report, once production begins, crude will enter the system in Hoima, pass through Uganda and Tanzania, and be stored at the Chongoleani Marine Storage Terminal near Tanga before export.