UPDF wants Shs2.5 billion to protect oil pipeline

The EACOP is a pipeline that will transport oil produced from Uganda’s Lake Albert oilfields to the port of Tanga in Tanzania. 

The pipeline is buried and once topsoil and vegetation have been re-instated, people and animals will be able to cross freely anywhere along its length.

“Tanzania is ready; they have budgeted for the security of the pipeline but Uganda is not. This is still a thorn in our back; it is an unfunded priority,” said Minister Ssempijja who appeared before the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs on Thursday, January 11.

The minister, who was defending the Defence Ministry’s 2024/2024 budget, said that whilst the ministry requires Shs2.5 billion for the security of EACOP, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has not allocated any funds.

“We have a committee which I put in place comprising relevant entities, including the Ministry of Energy but they are all headed by Defence Ministry and we do not have funds for the security of the oil pipeline,” he added.

Committee Chairperson Wilson Kajwenjye said that the government ought to prioritise the security of the pipeline. “That is unfortunate; it is first and foremost Uganda’s pipeline before it becomes East Africa. How can you not provide for its security?” he asked.

Simon Peter Opolot, the MP for Kanyum County, asked the minister to consider a partnership with oil companies such as Total Energies to provide security for the pipeline. “Is there any possibility of the partners also having interest in providing security?” Opolot asked.

The minister also raised concern over the failure of the Ministry of Finance to prioritise the construction of Nakasongola Air Force Airport, saying that it is a critical alternative to Entebbe International Airport.

The Defence Ministry sought Shs57 billion for the construction of the airport but no funds have been allocated. “Uganda is a landlocked country and if anything happens to Entebbe airport, we shall have a disaster,” Sempijja said.

According to the Budget Framework Paper, the ministry requires Shs9 trillion for the 2024/2025 financial year, but Shs3.8 trillion has been allocated, leaving a shortfall of Shs5.2 trillion.