President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recently met with Nicolas Terraz, President of Exploration and Production at TotalEnergie
louis Buyisiwe
Apr 23, 2024
This meeting underscored the ongoing collaboration between the Ugandan government and TotalEnergies on the ambitious Tilenga project.
During the visit, Terraz, who had just toured the Tilenga oil exploration sites, updated President Museveni on the project's progress. He highlighted the efficient advancement of drilling and pipeline construction, crucial components of the project. "The drilling and pipeline activities are going on very well," Terraz reported, indicating robust progress in these critical areas.
One of the key points discussed was the project's substantial impact on local employment. Currently, the Tilenga project employs over 8,000 Ugandans, significantly contributing to local economic growth. This aligns with TotalEnergies' commitment to enhancing community welfare through job creation.
President Museveni expressed strong support for the project, recognizing its potential to boost Uganda's economy. He assured Terraz of the government's continued backing, which is pivotal for the project's success. "I am confident that the Tilenga project will yield positive results for both Uganda and TotalEnergies," Museveni stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of this initiative.
The meeting also included other high-ranking executives from TotalEnergies, such as Senior Vice President for Africa Mike Sangster, General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda Philippe Groueix, Managing Director EACOP Martin Tiffen, and Deputy General Manager Mariam Nampeera. Ugandan Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa and Finance Minister Matia Kasaijja were also in attendance, highlighting the project's high-level engagement.
The Tilenga project encompasses the development of six oil fields and the drilling of approximately 400 wells across 31 locations. The extracted oil will be transported to Tanzania's port of Tanga via a 1,443 km underground pipeline, marking a significant logistical undertaking.
This strategic partnership between Uganda and TotalEnergies not only aims to harness natural resources for economic growth but also focuses on sustainable practices and local community benefits, setting a benchmark for future energy projects in the region.