In a significant step towards strengthening Uganda’s oil and gas industry, CNOOC Uganda Limited, in partnership with Sunmaker Oil and Gas Training Institute and Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba, celebrated the graduation of 160 skilled welders on Friday. This collaborative effort aims to equip Ugandans with the expertise needed for the booming oil and gas sector in the region.
Over the course of two months, the comprehensive training program provided students with a deep understanding of welding techniques, theory, and practical knowledge, focusing on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). This initiative aligns with the National Content enhancement activities for the Kingfisher Development Area (KFDA) Project, which seeks to empower local technicians and prepare them for international certification.
The program consisted of two cohorts, with the first group of 80 students receiving training in SMAW 1G, 2G, and 3G welding, following the standards set by the American Welding Society (AWS) and American Petroleum Institute (API). The second group of 80 students underwent training in 4G, 5G, and 6G SMAW welding, adhering to the same international standards. These specialized courses are designed to prepare participants for pivotal roles in oil and gas piping systems, including pipeline and refinery construction.
Notably, the 160 graduates hailed from various districts in the Albertine region, including Hoima, Kikuube, Nwoya, Masindi, Buliisa, Kibale, Kiryandongo, Kakumiro, Kagadi, Kyankwanzi, Mubende, Sembabule, Lwengo, Rakai, and Kyotera. This geographical diversity underlines the program’s commitment to empowering communities across the region.
During the graduation ceremony, Hon. Peter Lokeris, the Minister of State for Mineral Development, expressed gratitude to CNOOC Uganda Limited for their continuous efforts in upskilling Ugandans for the oil and gas industry. He emphasized the importance of tangible skills as a means to create lasting value for the nation’s citizens.
Mr. Ma Peixin, Vice President of CNOOC Uganda Limited, reiterated the company’s dedication to enhancing Uganda’s oil and gas capacity while promoting national content. He emphasized that these initiatives align with CNOOC Uganda Limited’s vision of ‘Oil for Better Life,’ aimed at improving the conditions and prospects of all Ugandans.
CNOOC Uganda Limited has consistently invested in various national content training and skilling programs, including ‘Train the Trainer,’ ‘Welders Certification,’ ‘Heavy Goods Vehicle Certification,’ ‘Heavy Equipment Training,’ ‘Enterprise Development,’ and ‘Community Supplier Development.’ These initiatives underscore the company’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and fostering inclusive growth.
Naija Rosemary, one of the trained welders, expressed her gratitude to CNOOC Uganda Limited for the opportunity to gain internationally recognized welding certification. Her sentiments were echoed by her fellow graduates, who see this as a transformative step towards building a brighter future in Uganda’s burgeoning oil and gas sector.
CNOOC Uganda Limited’s commitment to empowering local talent continues to drive positive social impact and advance inclusive growth in Uganda’s oil and gas industry.
About Guide2Uganda
Guide2Uganda (www.guide2uganda.ug) is the most comprehensive source
of travel information about Uganda on the web, with more content on its cities
and towns, accommodations, attractions, events, museums, and galleries than any other online guide currently available for Uganda, as well as being a dynamic ravel news and events driven site with new content added on a daily basis.
We are one of Uganda’s most powerful online media organizations, according to the WeFollow & Peer Index, which assesses online influence. Jumia Travel Uganda also awarded Guide2Uganda the “Best Destination Website in Uganda” at the 2018 Africa Travel Awards.
Share your travel stories & photos with the world via email: info@guide2uganda.ug
