Ministry of Defence Seeks Funding for UPDF Deployment to Secure Oil Pipeline

The Ministry of Defence is requesting Shs2.5 billion to deploy the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) for the security of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Vincent Ssempijja, disclosed this during a session with the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

The EACOP, designed to transport oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert oilfields to the port of Tanga in Tanzania, is an underground pipeline. Once the topsoil and vegetation are restored, people and animals will be able to move freely across its length.

Ssempijja emphasized the need for funding, stating, “Tanzania is prepared; they have budgeted for pipeline security, but Uganda has not. This remains a challenge for us; it is an unfunded priority.”

While defending the Defence Ministry’s 2024/2025 budget, Ssempijja highlighted the requirement of Shs2.5 billion for EACOP security.

However, the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has not allocated any funds. Ssempijja noted the establishment of a committee, encompassing relevant entities, to address the issue, but insufficient funds hinder security measures for the oil pipeline.

Committee Chairperson, Hon. Wilson Kajwengye, expressed concern about the lack of prioritization for the pipeline’s security, emphasizing its significance for Uganda before it benefits East Africa.

Hon. Simon Peter Opolot (NRM, Kanyum County) proposed exploring partnerships with oil companies like Total Energies to contribute to the security of the pipeline. He asked, “Is there a possibility of partners having an interest in providing security?”

Ssempijja also voiced concerns about the Ministry of Finance not prioritizing the construction of Nakasongola air force airport, considered a critical alternative to Entebbe International Airport. The Defence Ministry sought Shs57 billion for the Nakasongola air force wing airport, but no funds have been allocated.