TotalEnergies Uganda, E360 Group launch Tilenga Community Supplier Development Project
"At least 18 community coaches will be deployed to implement the CSDP in the six districts," Akua stated.
Nwoya: TotalEnergies EP Uganda, in partnership with E360 Group, has launched the Tilenga Community Supplier Development Project (CSDP) to empower local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to supply goods and services for the Tilenga oil project.
The project was officially launched on Thursday at Nwoya Hotel in Nwoya District and will be implemented across six districts: Hoima, Masindi, Kikuube, Buliisa, Nwoya, and Pakwach.
Timothy Stuart Akua, the Project Manager at E360 Group, highlighted that many local suppliers lack essential business skills such as management systems, record-keeping, and access to finance. The CSDP aims to bridge these gaps by providing training and support.
“At least 18 community coaches will be deployed to implement the CSDP in the six districts,” Akua stated.
Aggrey Mugume, the National Content Manager at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, emphasized the commitment of the authority and its stakeholders to strengthening local suppliers through such initiatives.
During the launch event, local suppliers shared their concerns and recommendations to improve their participation in the Tilenga oil project.
Stephen Ochen, Managing Director of Payiradit Limited, appealed to TotalEnergies to allow local suppliers to visit the Tilenga project to better understand requirements when drafting business proposals.
Danstone Mukoya, from Golden Castle Hotel in Hoima City, suggested that contracts should be rotated among different suppliers to ensure that all businesses benefit from the oil sector.
Jimmy Kyomuhendo, a supplier from Kikuube District, noted challenges in dealing with companies contracted by TotalEnergies to source local suppliers, saying they are not always accessible or cooperative.
Charlotte Ayebale, the National Content Coordinator at TotalEnergies, acknowledged the concerns of local suppliers but also pointed out overpricing as a major challenge.
“Sometimes, local suppliers miss out on contracts because they overprice their goods and services,” Ayebale explained.
Lukumu Fred, the Buliisa District Chairperson, urged local communities to fully capitalize on the economic benefits of the oil and gas sector.
Closing the event, Moses Ojok, the Nwoya District Vice Chairperson, encouraged local suppliers to unite and collaborate to strengthen their position in the oil and gas supply chain.
The launch was also attended by Hoima District LC V Chairperson Uthman Mugisha Mubarak and Chief Administrative Secretary Emmanuel Ssempala.
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