Ugandan students sent abroad for oil and gas training
This group forms part of the first cohort selected from a total of 200 trainees identified through the Tilenga Academy Massive Open Online Course [MOOC] held in 2022
KAMPALA, May 9, 2025 –– At least 100 young Ugandans have embarked on advanced training in oil and gas operations in France, Malaysia, and Oman, as the country prepares for the commencement of oil production under the Tilenga project in the Albertine Graben, western Uganda.
This group forms part of the first cohort selected from a total of 200 trainees identified through the Tilenga Academy Massive Open Online Course [MOOC] held in 2022.
The programme, which began in April 2024, started with foundational training at the Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba [UPIK]. The 18-month study programme comprises both theoretical and practical instruction in Oil and Gas Production, Maintenance, and Health, Safety, and Environment. It is delivered by UPIK in collaboration with Dietsmann, the Maintenance, Operations and Execution Contractor.
Upon completing the initial phase of their training, students are sent abroad, to France, Malaysia, and Oman for further instruction and to obtain international certifications in Production, Electrical, Mechanical, and Instrumentation disciplines.
“We are exceptionally proud of the progress achieved by our selected students. The Academy programme is structured to offer them comprehensive training, equipping them with essential skills and international qualifications needed for their roles in this vital project once production begins,” said Philippe Groueix, General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda.
The international phase of the training will span 18 weeks in the respective host countries, culminating in a five-week joint session in France for all participants. At the end of the programme, trainees will receive certification from the Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation [OPITO], significantly boosting their employability within Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
Meanwhile, a second cohort of 100 students began training at UPIK in October 2024 and is expected to undergo similar international exposure later this year upon completion of their initial studies.
Charles Akampa, one of the trainees at Tilenga Academy, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to my country. It’s a career I am committed to pursuing to help build a better Uganda,” he said.
Upon graduation, trainees will be deployed across various specialised fields, including 29 percent in production, 23 percent in equipment and instrumentation maintenance, 23 percent in mechanical maintenance, 14 percent in electrical maintenance, 1 percent in inspection, and 6 percent in the inspection unit.
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