Uganda Oil Sector Pushes Skills Development Ahead of Production

As the country prepares for first oil in July 2026, the oil and gas sector is entering a transformative phase. At the centre of this transition is a growing focus on skills development, capacity building, and national empowerment.

At the recently concluded 3rd Oil and Gas Skills Expo 2026 hosted at Makerere University, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Ugandans gain transferable skills that can support the wider economy.

Speaking at the Expo, Andrew Mafabi, HR Manager at EACOP, called on universities and vocational institutions to adjust their curricula to prioritise practical training. He said graduates should leave school ready for both oil and gas operations and other industries.

“The challenge for us as nationalists is ensuring our education system remains relevant,” Mafabi noted. “We need to shift the message toward hands-on experience. Looking at international benchmarks, like the Arabic model of vocational excellence, it’s clear that we must rethink how we educate the African graduate to ensure they possess the specific skills the market actually demands.”

Mafabi also stressed the need to bridge the gap between skills and experience. He said Ugandans already have technical knowledge, but practical exposure remains vital.

“As nationals, we have the skills, but the biggest challenge has been experience. That’s why we are investing in attachments, overseas training, and practical exposure. For example, 141 trainees were taken abroad to acquire advanced skills that will be vital in operating the pipeline,” Mafabi explained.

The Expo also highlighted how businesses outside the oil and gas sector are benefiting from sector investments. Companies such as DSTV have installed thousands of units in worker camps, while local hospitality providers have expanded their services.

Rubondo Ernest, Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, said the Expo theme, “From Oil and Gas to the Wider Economy: Transparent Skills Driving Sustainable Growth,” reflects Uganda’s current stage of development.

He noted that as the industry shifts from infrastructure construction to commercial oil production, employment numbers will naturally decline. However, the skills acquired in the sector remain valuable across other industries.

“The standards in the oil and gas sector are admired by other industries. Skills like plumbing, electrical work, and heavy goods vehicle driving are not confined to oil and gas, they are transferable to the wider economy,” Rubondo Ernest said.

The sector has already created more than 21,000 direct jobs, with 86% occupied by Ugandans. It has also generated 50,000 indirect jobs and 140,000 induced jobs.

More than 14,000 Ugandans have been trained and certified through partnerships involving government, oil companies, and institutions such as Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba and Busoga Polytechnic Institute.

International certifications including OPITO, EICTB, and City & Guilds have also helped position Ugandan technicians for opportunities in the global labour market.

Uganda’s strategy mirrors lessons from established oil economies. Norway invested heavily in local training during its oil boom, creating a globally competitive workforce.

Uganda’s certification programmes reflect a similar approach. Officials believe the country’s proactive investment in training will help workers transition into other industries, including renewable energy.

Skills acquired in oil and gas, including welding, engineering, and safety management, can also support growth in green energy industries.

Uganda is now positioning itself as a regional hub for oil and gas expertise, with plans to export skilled labour across East Africa and beyond.

Ultimately, both PAU and EACOP say the future of the sector depends on human capital development. By equipping Ugandans with internationally recognised skills and practical experience, the industry hopes to support long-term economic growth beyond oil production.