TotalEnergies EP Uganda and SLB have provided specialized education software and computer hardware valued at over Shs770 million to Makerere, Kyambogo and Nkumba Universities. The donation aims to enhance the universities’ capacity to train students in skills relevant to Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
The initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education and with the companies’ commitments to national content development and support for Ugandan educational institutions.
“We have consistently supported education institutions in Uganda like UPIK, Makerere, and Kyambogo Universities to develop capacities for training Ugandans in oil and gas disciplines,” said Philippe Groueix, General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda.
Philippe added, “This handover is aimed at augmenting that support, consistent with our commitments to national content development, youth inclusion, and education. More than 1,500 Ugandans have received internationally certified technical skills, which enhances their employability.”
TotalEnergies EP Uganda contributed computer hardware to each university, including eight tower servers, 16 monitors, and peripherals, with a total value exceeding $200,000 $770,000,000). SLB provided 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 and will renew the licenses annually.
Valerian Pfrimmer, Managing Director for East and South Africa at SLB, stated the company’s commitment to national content development in Uganda.
“By providing our industry-leading software platforms, we are bridging the gap between classroom theory and field application,” Pfrimmer said.
Pfrimmer added, “These platforms cover exploration and production and are essential to real-world operations. They enhance petroleum geoscience and engineering education and serve as strategic enablers for national development.”
The equipment was presented to Prof. Juma Kasozi, representing the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University; Dr. John Okuonzi, representing the Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University; and Prof. Jude T. Lubega, Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University. All expressed gratitude for the support. The ceremony was attended by Betty Namubiru, Manager of National Content at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, representing the Executive Director, along with representatives from Joint Venture Partners CNOOC and Uganda National Oil Company, and EACOP Ltd.
This action complements other ongoing initiatives by TotalEnergies EP Uganda in specialized education and capacity building programs, including the Tilenga Academy, the Tilenga Train the Trainer program, the Makerere University Emergency Medicine Simulation Training Centre (established in 2023), internship and graduate trainee opportunities, and support for the refurbishment of the Makerere Ivory Tower auditorium.
