In 2006, Uganda discovered commercial qualities of oil in the Albertine region in Western Uganda. When the extraction of the oil begins in the next few years, most of it will be exported through a 1,445 km-long oil pipeline running through Kabale in Hoima district to Chongolene district near Tanga Port in Tanzania. When completed, the East African Crude Oil pipeline will go through 24 districts in Tanzania and eight districts in Uganda. Because most of the pipeline will traverse Tanzanian territory, Tanzania remains a vital player in the execution of the project. While speaking at Chief Guest at Uganda’s 55th Independence Celebrations held in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Corporation Dr. Augustine Mahiga said his government was committed to the realization of the pipeline dream. “We have witnessed the very difficult process that brought us to finally hail the pipeline and you have heard the details, this is a new sign new. A new artery of relationship added to the history, to the culture and to the geography that binds the people of Tanzania and Uganda.”
On his part, the Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania Richard Kabonero re-affirmed government of Uganda’s commitment towards the pipeline project. The pipeline project was expected to be a major employer in both countries since an estimated 10,000 people will be employed during the construction phase. Kabonero who has been in Tanzania for two months implored Ugandan companies to take advantage of opportunities created by the oil pipeline project. “There are a lot of opportunities in security, in camping, in route surveys, and in transport infrastructure but first and foremost is to be able to register. The Petroleum Authority of Uganda has a Database where they are registering private sector companies. But the second critical area is that there must be certification. These companies must not only be local but they must be able to do the work.” Said, Richard Kabonero – High Commissioner to Tanzania.
Kabonero also revealed that Uganda and Tanzania embarked on more investment projects further strengthening the ties between the two countries. “We have cross-border electrification of the Kagera area and Kyotera area in Uganda. You heard the Minister say the Central Corridor; rehabilitation of the railway line not only from the Dar-es-salaam but also to Mwanza.” Tanzania’s bilateral relations with Uganda don’t just start with oil; in 1979 Mwalimu Julius Nyerere led his army to overthrow President Idd Amin Dada. It is this historic bond that Mahiga says remains special. “The Tanzanians and Ugandans ducted bullets together from Idd Amin, they dug the trenches together from where they fought and they died together in those trenches. There couldn’t be a more consolidating relationship and link if you go through that experiences.” Said, Augustine Mahiga – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tanzania.
Mahiga also thanked the Ugandan government for the kindness exhibited when 12 Tanzanian nationals perished in a road accident in Masaka last month. “But we were so touched and so impressed by the excellent facilities and assistance extended to the families and for the repatriation of the bodies for a decent burial.” The Independence Celebration Dinner was attended by diplomats, Total Oil Company Executives, representatives from the business community, Members of Parliament and Ugandans living in Tanzania. The Celebrations of Uganda’s 55th Independence came at a time when the two countries were engaging in heavy investment projects which leaders said would be used to better not just the lives of Ugandans but Tanzanians as well and also improve the trade relations within the East African Community.
