KAMPALA — While the Tilenga Project has made major strides in employment and procurement, TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU) is also prioritizing supplier development and capacity-building to ensure local businesses and professionals thrive beyond the construction phase.
At the Q1 Supplier Development Workshop, in Kampala on Friday, TEPU Deputy General Manager, Mariam Nampeera Mbowa, emphasized the challenges Ugandan suppliers face, such as bid management, regulatory compliance, financial constraints, and contract execution.
Nampeera noted that TEPU has implemented a string of initiatives to help Ugandans bridge these gap. She pointed out the Industry Enhancement Center a resource hub that the Company has established in Kampala for suppliers. She also highlighted the Community Supplier Development Program, aimed at mentoring local businesses, as well as the regular training workshops that are held for contractors to improve knowledge, oil & gas expertise, and technical skills. “We are building a **strong foundation for Ugandan firms to not only participate in Tilenga but also future projects in the industry,” the Deputy GM stated.
The emphasis on capacity building aligns with Uganda’s regulatory framework, which calls for technology transfer and supplier inclusion in the petroleum sector.
By strengthening local businesses and professionals, TotalEnergies EP Uganda is ensuring that the benefits of the oil and gas industry extend beyond Tilenga, creating a pipeline of skilled Ugandan companies ready to **compete on a regional and global scale.
According to Nampeera, the company has already contracted over 280 Ugandan businesses, contributing significantly to the oil and gas supply chain. Furthermore, USD 36 million worth of goods and services has been locally procured from communities in Buliisa, Nwoya, Pakwach, Hoima, Masindi, and Kikuube, reinforcing regional economic development.
“These investments are proof of our long-term commitment to national content and sustainability,” the Deputy GM explained. “Through structured capacity-building programs, we ensure local companies gain the skills and expertise required to participate in complex projects.”
To strengthen the capacity of Ugandan firms, TotalEnergies EP Uganda has invested over USD 12 million in supplier development, skilling, and support for education institutions, allowing businesses to scale up and meet the technical demands of the industry.
