Joint security teams from the Governments of Uganda and Tanzania have held a meeting in Kampala to discuss the proposed security arrangements for the East African Crude Oil Pipe line (EACOP). The crude oil pipeline aims at easing the transport of the extracted crude oil between both countries.
The Chief Guest at the meeting and UPDF Joint Chief of Staff Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu who represented the Chief of Defense Forces Gen David Muhoozi noted that Uganda is committed to protecting the crude oil pipeline for the development of the country, its citizens and East Africa at large.
‘’We should commit ourselves to protect the crude oil pipe line for the development of the East African Community,” Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu said.
He commended the good work done by the technical team headed by the Deputy Commander Land Forces (D/CLF) Maj Gen Sam Kavuma who led the process of drafting the technical document that will assist the protection of the crude oil pipe line.
Lt Gen Musanyufu informed the Tanzania delegation that Uganda is their home and our relationship with them is historical, adding that they are welcome to enjoy the beauty of Uganda.
The Chief of Staff of the Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces (TPDF) Lt Gen Yacoub Hassan Muhammed who led the Tanzanian delegation promised to work together with the Government of Uganda in strengthening security for the good partnership of two countries. He further applauded the good hospitality offered by the Government of Uganda and its acceptance to host the meeting.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development Mr Robert Kasande thanked the Government of Uganda for providing a qualified technical team that can readily ensure that the construction of the crude oil pipeline becomes a reality. He said that security was highly considered when discussing the pipeline line project from Hoima (Uganda) to Tanga (Tanzania). He commended the security teams from both Uganda and Tanzania that have ensured stability, especially at the borders.
The meeting discussed and adopted a draft Memorandum of Understanding for East African Crude Oil Pipeline that will pave way for the final signing in April 2019 after the approval of Attorney Generals for both countries.
The meeting was also attended by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Uganda H.E Dr Aziizi Mlima, AIGP Abbas Byakagaba from the Uganda Police Force, among others.