The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project is not just building a pipeline; it’s building futures. As part of its commitment to restoring and improving the livelihoods of Project-Affected Households (PAHs), EACOP Ltd has successfully stepped up its comprehensive Enterprise Development and local skill-building programs across five key districts in Uganda: Hoima, Kakumiro, Kyankwanzi, Kikuube, and Mubende.
These initiatives are designed to equip families displaced by the pipeline’s construction with the essential skills needed to generate income, foster self-employment, and strengthen their long-term economic resilience.
The latest intensive training sessions, conducted on July 30th and 31st, 2025, in Kakumiro and Mubende Districts, brought the total number of households that have completed this vital training to 527.
Crucially, 243 of these beneficiaries are women, highlighting a deliberate focus on empowering a demographic often disproportionately affected by displacement.
This program, implemented under the project’s robust Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), aims to go beyond mere compensation, fostering genuine economic recovery and self-sufficiency.
From Displacement to Empowerment
The training curriculum is meticulously crafted to provide practical, market-relevant skills. Participants have been immersed in a wide range of trades, learning directly from master craftsmen and artisans. This hands-on approach ensures that the acquired knowledge is not just theoretical but immediately applicable to generating income.
“Before this training, I worried about how my family would earn a living after moving,” shared Aisha Namukasa, a beneficiary from Kakumiro District who trained in soap making.
“Now, I have the skills to start my own business, contribute to my household, and rebuild our lives with dignity. EACOP isn’t just giving us land; they are giving us hope and a future,” she added.
The diverse disciplines covered during the training include:
Animal feed production: Tapping into the growing agricultural sector.
Value addition to milk through yoghurt making: Creating new revenue streams from dairy.
Crafts such as shoemaking, basketry, and beading: Leveraging traditional skills for modern markets.
Soap making (both liquid and bar soap): Addressing essential household needs with local production.
Baked Snacks: Enabling entrepreneurial ventures in the food industry.
Business management: Equipping beneficiaries with the foundational knowledge to run successful ventures.
Upgrading existing vocational skills: Enhancing the expertise of those already engaged in trades.
Practical Support for Launching New Beginnings
EACOP’s commitment to impact lives in the Albertine Graben extends beyond the classroom. To ensure trainees can effectively launch their new businesses or employment journeys, the project is providing starter kits aligned with the specific skills acquired.
This crucial provision removes a significant initial hurdle for entrepreneurs, allowing them to start applying their newfound expertise.
“The starter kit for my shoemaking business is invaluable,” commented David Okello from Mubende District, adding, “It means I don’t have to worry about buying tools; I can begin earning right away. This support makes a real difference in how quickly we can get back on our feet.”
This extensive initiative is strongly supported by EACOP’s RAP Implementation Partner, Montrose Africa Ltd, which has meticulously managed the provision of training fees, essential materials, welfare support for trainees, and the critical starter kits.
Holistic Approach to Livelihood Restoration
This enterprise development program is an integral component of EACOP’s broader livelihood restoration strategy. The overall objective is to enable households to recover economically from displacement, fostering local economic empowerment and resilience within the communities directly impacted by the pipeline.
By investing in human capital and providing tangible tools for self-sufficiency, EACOP is setting a new standard for large-scale infrastructure projects.
It demonstrates a profound understanding that sustainable development hinges not only on fair compensation but also on empowering individuals and families with the capabilities to thrive long after the physical relocation, ensuring a brighter, more economically secure future for Project-Affected Households across Uganda.