The government of Uganda in partnership with EACOP Uganda oversaw a celebration of over 756 beneficiaries of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) vocational training program, who have graduated from different institutions after completing three months of vocational training and a one-month internship.
The graduation ceremony that was held on Monday December 16, 2024 in Katikara sub county, Kakumiro District, highlighted the commitment to empowering youth through practical skills development.
According to Elizabeth Mpagata, the community liaison officer for the EACOP project, each graduate will receive a tailored startup kit to support their new venture, enabling them to contribute positively to their communities and economy.
“Many of such initiatives and many more to come to show EACOP’s dedication to fostering sustainable livelihoods among project-affected households and people,” Mpagata said.
The students representative expressed gratitude to the government and EACOP for the internship opportunity provided that has enabled them to transform their school knowledge to practical experience which they further narrated that it was the best learning experience in the world.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is a 1,443 km pipeline that transports crude oil from Uganda to Tanzania. The pipeline will run from Hoima District in Uganda to Tanga Port in Tanzania. In Uganda, the pipeline will pass through 10 districts, 25 sub-countries, and 171 villages.
Once completed, the pipeline would be the longest electrically heated crude oil pipeline in the world.
Also during the graduation event, EACOP officials provided students with comprehensive information about the project objectives, current initiatives, and the various opportunities available for Ugandans.
The graduating students will all receive startup kits tailored to their fields of study, including sewing machines, tool boxes, electrical kits, hairdressing, and salon equipment, among others.
