The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has started the construction of the Nyamasoga–Katooke Road in Hoima as part of its efforts to improve infrastructure and community welfare along the oil pipeline route.
The 7.5-kilometre marram road, located in Buseruka Sub-County, will connect Kayera and Katooke villages, home to about 6,500 residents in more than 600 households.
Once completed, the road will link the area to the Kaiso–Tonya Highway, easing movement to trading centres such as Nyamasoga and Buseruka and improving access to schools, markets, and health facilities.
The road construction is being carried out under EACOP’s Socio-Economic Investment (SEI) programme, which supports projects that uplift communities affected by or living near the pipeline.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, John Bosco Habumugisha, the deputy managing Director of EACOP, said the project demonstrates the company’s commitment to community development.
“EACOP remains committed to ensuring that the communities along the pipeline route benefit from improved infrastructure and social services,” he said. “This road project demonstrates our dedication to supporting local development priorities in partnership with government authorities.”
The project was initiated after Hoima local leaders requested EACOP to rehabilitate the road, which has been in poor condition and impassable for vehicles during rainy seasons. Local residents say the new road will help farmers transport produce more easily and improve trade within the area.
Rodgers Mbabazi, the RDC of Hoima, thanked EACOP for its continued collaboration with the district and for investing in projects that directly impact local communities.
“Such initiatives play a key role in advancing local development and improving the quality of life for residents,” Mr Mbabazi said.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline project is a 1,443-kilometre crude oil export system that will transport Uganda’s oil from Kabaale, Hoima, to the Chongoleani peninsula near Tanga in Tanzania.
The pipeline, which includes six pumping stations, two pressure reduction stations, and a marine export terminal, is jointly owned by TotalEnergies (62%), Uganda National Oil Company (15%), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (15%), and CNOOC (8%).
