KAMPALA, UGANDA – TotalEnergies EP Uganda and SLB are making a pivotal investment in Uganda’s burgeoning oil and gas sector by equipping Makerere, Kyambogo, and Nkumba Universities with cutting-edge specialized education software and computer hardware. This strategic move is set to significantly enhance the skills of future Ugandan professionals entering the industry.

The initiative directly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on quality education and aligns with both companies’ commitments to national content development. By boosting the technical capabilities of these institutions, TotalEnergies and SLB are fostering a robust local talent pool for Uganda’s energy future.

“We’ve long emphasized supporting Ugandan educational institutions like UPIK, Makerere, and Kyambogo Universities to build the capacities needed to train more Ugandans in oil and gas disciplines,” said Philippe Groueix, General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda. “This latest handover expands that support, aligning with our commitments to national content development, youth inclusion, and education. Over 1,500 Ugandans have already gained internationally certified technical skills, significantly improving their employability here and abroad.”

TotalEnergies EP Uganda provided each university with eight computer hardware stations, including tower servers, monitors, and peripherals, totaling over $200,000 (more than 770,000,000 Ugandan Shillings). SLB complemented this by supplying four specialized training software licenses – Petrel, Techlog, Eclipse, and Petromod – installed on each station. SLB will also conduct training for university users in July 2025 to ensure optimal use and will renew the licenses annually.

Valerian Pfrimmer, Managing Director for East and South Africa at SLB, highlighted the practical benefits. “By donating our industry-leading software platforms, we’re bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world field application,” Pfrimmer explained. “These platforms cover the entire exploration and production spectrum, making them crucial for actual operations. They not only boost petroleum geoscience and engineering education but also serve as strategic enablers for national development.”

The equipment was formally handed over to representatives from the recipient universities, including Prof. Juma Kasozi (Makerere University), Dr. John Okuonzi (Kyambogo University), and Prof. Jude T. Lubega (Nkumba University Vice Chancellor), all of whom expressed gratitude. The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including Betty Namubiru, Manager of National Content at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, along with representatives from Joint Venture Partners CNOOC, Uganda National Oil Company, and EACOP Ltd.

This collaboration is part of TotalEnergies EP Uganda’s broader commitment to specialized education and capacity building. Other initiatives include the Tilenga Academy, the Tilenga Train the Trainer program, the Makerere University Emergency Medicine Simulation Training Centre (established in 2023), various internships, and graduate trainee opportunities, showcasing a comprehensive strategy to develop Uganda’s energy sector workforce.