The Energy and Mineral Development Minister of Uganda, Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, is in Tanzania on an official visit to review the progress of the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) from Hoima, Uganda, to Chongoleani, Tanga Region.
She met with her Tanzanian counterpart, Minister of Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, to assess milestones on the Tanzanian side.
Minister Ndejembi told journalists that the project has already created about 12,000 jobs for Tanzanian and Ugandan youth and local communities during construction.
He said the pipeline has reached 79 percent completion and is expected to be operational by July 2026. Once finished, it will transport 246,000 barrels of crude oil daily, boosting revenue and economic growth in both countries.
Dr. Nankabirwa praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her firm support of the project, which she said is transforming East Africa’s energy landscape.
She also highlighted the need to establish a formal system to recognise and track skilled workers involved in strategic projects, ensuring they are considered for future initiatives such as gas and electricity projects in both countries.
The 1,443-kilometre pipeline includes 296 km in Uganda and 1,147 km in Tanzania. It features six pumping stations four in Tanzania and two in Uganda designed to ensure efficient transport of crude oil from Hoima to the Tanzanian coast.
The EACOP project is a major regional energy initiative, expected to strengthen Tanzania-Uganda ties, create more jobs, and contribute significantly to local and national economic development.