Uganda’s flagship oil infrastructure development, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), has reached 79 percent overall completion, signaling steady progress toward first oil as construction activities peak across Uganda and Tanzania. The update was revealed during a high-level site visit led by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, to Pump Station 1 (PS1) in Hoima District, the starting point of the 1,443-kilometre EACOP pipeline.

The minister, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Eng. Irene Bateebe, toured PS1 to assess implementation progress and monitor compliance with project timelines. During the visit, the team received a comprehensive briefing on construction milestones, workforce deployment, and readiness of critical facilities along the pipeline route.

According to the latest project update, pipeline construction has reached 62 percent completion, with more than 1,400 kilometres of pipeline already welded. Of this, over 500 kilometres have been fully buried and backfilled, marking a significant achievement in one of Africa’s largest energy infrastructure projects. Above-Ground Installation works in both Uganda and Tanzania are also progressing steadily, supporting the development of pumping stations, block valve stations, and support infrastructure critical for pipeline operations.

Construction activities are currently at peak levels, with approximately 3,500 workers mobilised in Uganda alone. Across Uganda and Tanzania, the total EACOP workforce stands at about 12,000 personnel, reflecting the scale and intensity of ongoing works. Project developers expect this high level of activity to continue through the first quarter and early second quarter of 2026, after which the project will transition into commissioning and start-up phases.

At Pump Station 1, which plays a crucial role as the launch point for transporting crude oil from Uganda’s Tilenga and Kingfisher oil fields to the Tanzanian coast, works are advancing at a strong pace. Concrete works at PS1 are 75 percent complete, steel erection has reached 71 percent, while piping and welding activities stand at 55 percent. Overall site completion at PS1 is now at 70 percent, supported by a workforce of about 700 workers currently on site.

In Uganda, Above-Ground Installation activities continue to gain momentum, enhancing the readiness of pumping and support facilities that will ensure the safe and efficient transportation of crude oil once operations begin. Government officials reaffirmed their commitment to closely monitoring project implementation to ensure adherence to environmental, social, and safety standards.

The EACOP project, which will transport crude oil from western Uganda to the Port of Tanga in Tanzania for export, remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s oil and gas development strategy. Once completed, it is expected to unlock significant economic benefits, including job creation, skills transfer, and increased revenues for both Uganda and Tanzania, while strengthening regional energy infrastructure in East Africa.