Uganda’s $5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has reached 75% completion, marking a major milestone in the country’s long-awaited journey to becoming a crude oil exporter. The pipeline—which stretches from Uganda’s Albertine region to the Tanzanian port of Tanga—is one of the largest infrastructure projects in East Africa. Officials say construction is progressing ahead of schedule, raising expectations for the country’s first oil exports in the coming year.
The project is supported by a consortium led by TotalEnergies, the Uganda National Oil Company, and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation. Key installations, including pumping stations, heating systems, and control facilities, are nearing completion. The pipeline will transport Uganda’s waxy crude, which requires constant heating to maintain flow, making EACOP one of the most technically complex pipelines on the continent.
Government officials say the pipeline will unlock billions of dollars in revenue, boost local contracting, and create thousands of jobs across both Uganda and Tanzania. The project is expected to transform Uganda’s energy landscape, supporting industrial development and strengthening the region’s economic integration. Local communities along the route have begun receiving compensation packages and infrastructure upgrades tied to the project’s social impact plan.
However, EACOP continues to attract criticism from environmental groups. Activists argue the pipeline threatens biodiversity, displaces communities, and contributes to climate change. International pressure has led some financial institutions to withdraw support, though project leaders insist that environmental safeguards meet global standards.
Despite the controversies, the pipeline remains a central pillar of Uganda’s long-term economic strategy. With three-quarters of construction complete, the government is optimistic that first oil exports will begin as planned. The milestone signals a turning point for the nation’s oil sector after nearly two decades of exploration and planning.