The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd. signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Buganda Kingdom to strengthen collaboration on environmental conservation and community development. This partnership, which focuses on tree growing and youth empowerment, is a significant move that highlights the oil and gas sector’s role in driving Uganda’s sustainable and socio-economic development.
The landmark agreement, which is the first of its kind in Uganda’s history, was signed by a team from EACOP led by the Managing Director, Mr. Guillaume Dulout, and a delegation from Buganda Kingdom led by Owek. Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga. Also present to witness the signing was Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development.
Speaking about the partnership, Katikiro Mayiga said, “The Kingdom cherishes partnerships that address urgent challenges such as climate change, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment.”
The collaboration, signed at a ceremony at Bulange, Kampala, is centered on two key initiatives. The first is advancing the Buganda Kingdom’s tree-growing initiative, Ekibira Kya Kabaka. It was revealed that the kingdom has committed 120 acres of land for this purpose, with EACOP providing support for the environmental restoration effort. This initiative, according to Katikiro Mayiga, directly addresses the urgent challenge of climate change and reinforces the oil sector’s commitment to offsetting its environmental impact.
The second initiative is the construction of a modern community sports centre in Buddu County, Masaka District. To this effect, Buganda Kingdom has allocated 10 acres of land for the facility, and EACOP will provide the financial support. This state-of-the-art center is designed to be more than just a sports hub; it will serve as a platform for nurturing local talent, promoting fitness, and fostering youth empowerment and community engagement.
The importance of this partnership was underscored by the presence of key leaders, especially Dulout, EACOP’s Managing Director, who stated that the MoU reflects a long-term commitment to advancing sustainability and socio-economic development. “By restoring ecosystems through tree planting and supporting the sports center, we are investing in initiatives that will deliver lasting value for communities and the environment,” he said.
Katikkiro Mayiga hailed the collaboration for addressing key challenges like climate change and youth empowerment, noting that it will “create a legacy of resilience, opportunity, and growth for our people.”
The partnership holds particular significance as seven of the ten pipeline districts lie within Buganda Kingdom, covering more than 130 villages. By focusing on environmental protection and community empowerment, this agreement demonstrates how the oil and gas sector can work with local stakeholders to ensure that development benefits everyone.
The presence of Energy Minister Hon. Nankabirwa at the signing of the MoU further highlights the government’s support for such initiatives that strengthen community ties and contribute to sustainable development within the sector.