KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s oil sector is poised to create up to 160,000 jobs, many requiring specialized technical skills. To meet this demand, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has launched an advanced orbital welding training program.

The program, conducted by industry expert Imran Dilmohamud, aims to equip local engineers and welders with expertise in orbital welding, a technique essential for pipeline construction.

“Orbital welding uses an automated machine to create precise, high-quality welds, reducing material wastage and enhancing efficiency,” Dilmohamud explained. “This technology is widely used in the US, Europe, and China, but it’s new to Uganda.”

The training also covered the use of a flux core machine for capping pipes, a process that involves depositing a protective layer of material to prevent corrosion.

Dilmohamud emphasized the importance of mastering this technique, saying it would be the primary welding method used at the construction site.

George William Barbatana, a participant, said the training was eye-opening. “It’s a simple process because it’s more automated, but it requires a strong foundation in welding. This is the first time we’re having such training in Uganda, and I see great potential for its application beyond pipeline welding, such as in tank and cylinder manufacturing.”

EACOP’s Deputy Managing Director, John Bosco Habumugisha, commended the participants, emphasizing the training’s significance for Ugandans. “The world has advanced significantly, and as we accelerate oil extraction in Uganda, embracing new technologies and modern methods in the oil and gas sector is crucial,” he said.

“Welding is now a technology-driven process, not solely reliant on individual skill. Participants in this training are privileged to gain practical experience with automated welding systems, vital for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline’s construction. This program ensures efficiency and precision through advanced techniques like microscopic weld analysis.”