With Uganda’s December 2026 first oil deadline fast approaching, Parliament’s Committee on Environment and Natural Resources has intensified its oversight of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) to assess its true operational readiness.
Led by Vice Chairperson Ann Maria Nankabirwa, the committee concluded a high-stakes oversight mission in Tanzania on October 6, 2026. The tour focused heavily on infrastructure completion timelines, local content participation, and the compensation of Project Affected Persons (PAPs).
The cross-border delegation inspected several critical infrastructure nodes along the 1,443-kilometre pipeline route, which runs from Hoima in Uganda to the Indian Ocean port of Tanga in Tanzania.
Officials reported significant milestones at major sites:Construction of the four massive crude oil storage tanks—boasting a combined capacity of 2 million barrels—has reached 94% completion. Thermal insulation works stand at 83%, while engineers are currently testing export metering and fire protection systems and construction has hit 96% completion, with project managers projecting full operational readiness within weeks.
Despite the technical milestones, lawmakers pushed EACOP officials on discrepancies in completion estimates and the lingering social impacts of the project.
Nankabirwa emphasized that the strategic rush for first oil must not come at the expense of host communities.
“As Parliament, we must ensure that while these strategic national projects are delivered on schedule, the interests of affected communities are also safeguarded,” Nankabirwa warned.
“As Parliament, we must ensure that while these strategic national projects are delivered on schedule, the interests of affected communities are also safeguarded,” she said.
She noted that any critical funding gaps or necessary state interventions uncovered during the tour would be addressed through parliamentary processes, such as the upcoming Budget Framework Paper.
The multi-billion-dollar pipeline represents a landmark partnership for East Africa. Because the vast majority of the pipeline lies within Tanzanian territory, diplomatic leaders view the project as a binding economic anchor.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Amb. Col. (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, reinforced this regional alignment, stating that despite the massive logistical hurdles, the joint venture remains firmly on track for the late 2026 launch.
The oversight mission was jointly coordinated by the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), and Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy, with participation from Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Amb. Elisha Gaguti.
“The partnership between Uganda and Tanzania has been critical to the success of EACOP. While the oil is produced in Uganda, the largest section of the pipeline is in Tanzania and the crude will be exported through Tanga, making this a truly shared strategic investment for the region,” Mwesigye said.
He expressed confidence in the progress of the project and maintained that Uganda remains on course for first oil in December 2026.
The committee commended the progress registered at the inspected facilities but stressed the need for timely completion of outstanding works and continued engagement with communities affected by the project.
The oversight mission was coordinated by the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy. Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Amb. Elisha Gaguti, also joined the delegation during the site visits.
