The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has handed over new sanitation facilities and sports equipment to residents of Kabonera Village in Kyotera District in an initiative aimed at improving public health, hygiene, and youth development.
The facilities are expected to benefit residents of Kabonera, Nabigasa, Kabugimbi, Lukoma and Kakoma villages, as well as pupils and students from nearby schools.
The sanitation project includes a four-stance pit latrine block with separate facilities for male and female users. It is equipped with ventilation, lighting, and privacy features, as well as a rainwater harvesting tank.
The facility is intended to improve access to proper sanitation, promote hygiene and provide a safer environment for community members, particularly children and young people who use the nearby playground.
In addition to the sanitation facilities, EACOP donated sports equipment to encourage young people to participate in organised sporting activities, develop their talents and build relationships across neighbouring communities.
The equipment includes football goalposts and nets, netball and volleyball poles, volleyball nets, sports jerseys and referee uniforms. The donation also comprises footballs, volleyballs, netballs and refereeing accessories such as whistles and cards.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, EACOP’s Social Economic Investment Manager, Matred Murungi, said the project was part of the company’s Social Economic Investment (SEI) programme, implemented under its Community Health and Safety pillar.
Murungi said the company was committed to supporting projects identified by communities to address their needs and improve their living conditions.
She added that the initiative supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including good health and well-being, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and reduced inequalities.
The handover ceremony was attended by local leaders, community representatives and other stakeholders.
In his remarks, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Matia Kagugube commended EACOP for supporting the community and urged residents, particularly young people and local leaders, to take responsibility for maintaining the facilities.
He said the facilities and sports equipment would provide opportunities for young people to develop their talents, promote physical fitness and strengthen unity among residents.
EACOP said it would continue investing in community projects that respond to local needs and improve the welfare of people living along the pipeline route.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is a project designed to transport crude oil from Uganda’s oilfields in the Albertine Graben to the port of Tanga in Tanzania for export to international markets.
