By: Ikiriza Zephania Atwooki
Hoima, Uganda — The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has officially launched construction works on a 7.5-kilometer community road in Hoima District, demonstrating its commitment to supporting local development through infrastructure and social investment projects.
The new road, which stretches from Katooke Trading Centre through Kayera Village to Nyamasoga in Kabale Sub-county, is being developed in partnership with the Hoima District Local Government. The project aims to improve connectivity, ease the transportation of goods and services, and boost economic activity within the area.
Speaking during the launch ceremony held at Katooke Trading Centre, EACOP Deputy Executive Director, Mr. J.B. Habomugisha, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to ensuring that the pipeline project brings tangible benefits to the host communities.
“EACOP is committed to giving back to the local communities. We are not only constructing the Katooke–Kayera–Nyamasoga road but also upgrading Mbaraara Health Centre II to a Health Centre III status,” said Habomugisha. “Ninety percent of our workforce are Ugandans, and we continue to prioritize local suppliers to strengthen national content.”
The construction works are being executed by Fulcrum Consult Limited, a Ugandan engineering firm contracted by EACOP.
Local Leaders Commend the Initiative
Representing the Hoima District leadership at the event, District Council Speaker, Mr. Swaibu Nyangabyaki, lauded EACOP for its continued collaboration with the district and for investing in projects that directly impact local livelihoods.
“This road will benefit thousands of residents who have long struggled with a poor road network,” Nyangabyaki noted. “As district leaders, we shall work to ensure that the Katooke–Kayera–Nyamasoga road is upgraded from an access road to a feeder road for better maintenance and sustainability.”
Stakeholders Urge Cooperation and Positive Engagement
Mr. Samuel Mugisa, representing the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), encouraged community members to support the project and ignore misinformation spread by groups opposed to Uganda’s oil and gas developments.
“There are individuals and organizations portraying EACOP as a bad project, but we urge our people to focus on the opportunities it brings to our country,” Mugisa said.
Representing the Chief Administrative Officer of Hoima District, Mr. Atugonza Brian, the Senior Assistant Secretary, called on local leaders and residents to cooperate with the contractor to ensure timely completion of the road.
“We appeal to the community to work closely with the contractor. Additionally, farmers should take advantage of this new infrastructure to enhance agricultural production and market access,” he emphasized.
Broad Stakeholder Attendance
The launch ceremony was attended by several key stakeholders, including representatives from EACOP, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), Hoima District technical staff, Kabale Sub-county leaders, and community members.
The Katooke–Kayera–Nyamasoga road project forms part of EACOP’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, aimed at improving infrastructure, health, and livelihoods in communities along the pipeline route.
