Twenty Ugandan professionals have earned internationally recognised certifications in non-destructive testing (NDT) and occupational health and safety through a skills development programme sponsored by China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. Ltd. (CPP), the main construction contractor for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
Conducted in Kampala in partnership with Sunmaker under CPP’s National Content Plan, the programme saw 10 participants obtain the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) in Occupational Health and Safety, while another 10 completed Level II training in NDT. The certifications are intended to strengthen the availability of skilled professionals for Uganda’s oil and gas industry and related industrial sectors.
NDT Training Covers Four Inspection Methods
The NDT programme covered four established inspection methods: Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) and Penetrant Testing (PT). These techniques enable the examination of materials, welds and components without causing damage, helping identify defects and assess the integrity of critical infrastructure.
The training provides technical skills relevant to the construction, operation and maintenance of oil and gas facilities, where inspection plays an important role in quality assurance and asset integrity.
The occupational health and safety programme covered hazard identification, risk assessment, risk control and safety performance monitoring. These competencies are particularly relevant to high-risk industrial environments such as oil and gas operations.
CPP Expands Skills Development for Ugandan Professionals
Speaking at the certification ceremony, Zhang Haitao, CPP’s national content manager, said the company remained committed to developing local expertise as construction activities on the pipeline approach completion.
“We have fulfilled our pledge to develop a pool of internationally certified Ugandan professionals,” Zhang said.
He added that the certifications would help build a workforce capable of supporting Uganda’s growing oil and gas industry beyond the EACOP project.
The latest programme builds on CPP’s other capacity-development initiatives, which include welding training, side-boom operator courses, graduate internships, trainer development, international training opportunities and scholarships.
The certifications are expected to improve participants’ employment prospects while expanding the pool of skilled personnel available for oil and gas projects and related industrial operations.
Fulcrum site civil engineer Monge Samuel, who completed NDT training, said, “The skills gained will help me contribute to maintaining the integrity and reliability of infrastructure in the oil and gas sector.”
CPP permits co-ordinator Nahebwa Lincoln said, “The NEBOSH training has enhanced my knowledge of occupational health and safety, particularly hazard identification, risk assessment and workplace safety management.”
EACOP Advances Towards Commissioning
The training programme comes as EACOP progresses towards the commissioning of its pipeline infrastructure. The 1,443-kilometre pipeline is designed to transport crude oil from Kabaale in Uganda’s Hoima district to the Tanzanian port of Tanga.
The project is being implemented by EACOP Ltd., whose shareholders include TotalEnergies, CNOOC, the Uganda National Oil Company and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation.
According to the report, commissioning activities have commenced as contractors test systems ahead of the expected start of oil production before the end of 2026.
The EACOP project has created approximately 12,000 jobs, exceeding its initial target of 7,500. Meanwhile, the Tilenga Project has an estimated 10,000 workers deployed across its sites.
The certification programme represents an investment in local technical and safety capabilities as Uganda develops its oil and gas infrastructure and prepares for the next stages of project operations.
Reference: https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/business/20-ugandans-earn-international-oil-gas-certif-NV_242652_102026
