Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Fred Mwesigye has underscored the transformative role of the oil and gas sector in both nations' economies.

He highlighted the Uganda-Tanzania partnership, supported by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), as a model for regional integration and mutual growth.

“Today’s forum symbolizes the shared commitment of Uganda and Tanzania to harness the potential of our oil and gas resources for the benefit of our people. Our partnership extends beyond infrastructure; it aims to strengthen private sector connections, create jobs, and promote sustainable development,” Mwesigye remarked. 

He encouraged stakeholders to engage in knowledge-sharing and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the sector.

He said this during the Uganda-Tanzania Oil and Gas Networking Forum that took place on November 22, 2024, in Dar es Salaam under the theme "Driving Transformation in Uganda and Tanzania’s Energy Vision." 

Organized by the High Commission of Uganda in Tanzania, the event attracted key stakeholders from both countries and the broader region, aiming to foster collaboration, share insights, and explore opportunities in the oil and gas sector. 

The focus was on regional integration, economic cooperation, and unlocking the full potential of the energy industry.

In his keynote address, Dr. James Mataragio, Tanzania’s Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, affirmed the dedication of both nations' leadership to enhancing bilateral cooperation. 

“The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is not just a project; it is a symbol of regional unity and a catalyst for economic growth. Thanks to our leaders, Uganda and Tanzania have cultivated an investment-friendly environment in the oil and gas sector, unlocking new opportunities for local and international investors to contribute to economic development, create jobs, and build sustainable industries,” Dr. Mataragio stated. He also emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable practices and ensuring environmental stewardship in the sector.

The forum included a detailed presentation from the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) team, who provided updates on the project's progress. Milestones highlighted included advancements in pipeline construction and ongoing training initiatives designed to build local capacity and equip communities with skills vital to the sector's growth.

Looking ahead, the EACOP team outlined plans for the next project phases, which include bolstered environmental protections and strengthened partnerships with regional stakeholders.

A dynamic panel discussion also featured experts from both Uganda and Tanzania, addressing key issues like bridging skills gaps, enhancing local content policies, and improving access to financing for local businesses. 

Panelists emphasized the need for a coordinated effort to ensure that the oil and gas sector contributes to long-term sustainable development.

He emphasized that the project is currently at the stage of laying pipelines, where approximately 52 kilometers of pipes have already been welded and will soon start being buried underground.

Speaking about the benefits of the project to the citizens, he said that Tanzanians have been empowered (Capacity building) in various areas and are now working on the project.

Regarding employment, he stated that the project has provided over 8,000 jobs with the goal being 10,000 jobs.