President Yoweri Museveni and Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli on Sunday signed the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline Agreement, an important step towards construction of the 1,400km pipeline from Hoima to Tanga Port.
Both heads of state directed their attorneys general to fine-tune an Inter-Government Agreement which the respective energy ministers will sign this Friday (26th) and officially have the pipeline construction kick start.
President Museveni explained that Uganda had opted for the Tanzania route because of the country’s relative stability, favourable land system and because Tanga is a protected port that is not easily affected by ocean waves.
“This project shows that East Africa can do things if it wants. It is a realisation of economic and social development of our countries. It is also a strategic way of East African integration and will strengthen our relationship,”said Museveni.
“Once we found oil in Uganda, my idea was that we refine and sell it in the country but I was told since consumption is low in Uganda, we must find a way of transporting it to the other markets. It’s why we agreed to this project,” He added.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
