East African crude oil commissioned
By: T. Mwajuma Twaha Adams
The Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Owek. Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi yesterday commissioned the construction of the main camp of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The camp is located in Kasambya LCI, Katikara subcounty in Kakumiro.
The ceremony was attended by district local government leaders, security chiefs, officials from the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), CNOOC Uganda, TotalEnergies EP, EACOP, civil society, religious leaders and Project Affected Persons (PAPs).
The Premier credited Government and oil companies for the investments and success so far registered in developing Uganda’s oil industry which has contributed towards infrastructural developments and increased investments in Bunyoro.
He said for the first time in history, the entire Bunyoro region has been opened up with tamack roads and government and oil companies are investing over 15 billion dollars in petroleum projects. This has enhanced access to markets, social services and other opportunities.
He noted that some of the companies from Bunyoro that are working in the oil sector and employment, business and training opportunities have been created for our people out of the developments.
He asked oil companies and government to implement mitigation projects that will contribute towards sustainable environmental conservation amidst oil developments.
He asked the companies to promote livelihoods development through by supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing agriculture, culture, tourism and the BKK Desired Model Household.
He asked regulators and the firms to enhance opportunities for the people of Bunyoro through among others, capacity building, business opportunities and broadening social-economic interventions.
The main camp will be located on a 47 acre piece of land. The camp is the first of four similar facilities required for the construction and support for the EACOP in Uganda. The land will be transferred to the Uganda Land Commission and leased to EACOP as per the host government agreement.