Uganda’s Energy and Mineral Development Minister, Ruth Nankabirwa, has confirmed that the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is progressing as planned. The 1,443-kilometer pipeline, valued at $3.55 billion, will transport crude oil from Uganda’s Albertine Graben region to Tanzania’s Tanga seaport.
Nankabirwa reported that 1,100 kilometers of pipeline have been delivered to Tanzania, marking significant progress. Additionally, the completion of a thermal insulation plant in Tanzania and the arrival of insulated line pipes are critical milestones in the project.
The EACOP project is a collaborative effort involving TotalEnergies, CNOOC, and the national oil companies of Uganda and Tanzania. Despite facing criticism from environmental activists concerned about potential ecological impacts, the project is on track, with operations expected to commence by 2027.
Once operational, the pipeline is anticipated to transport approximately 230,000 barrels of oil per day, with 60,000 barrels designated for domestic use and 170,000 barrels for export. The Ugandan government emphasizes that the revenue generated from this project is essential for the country’s social and economic development.