News

How TotalEnergies, Makerere strategic deal will boost high education in Uganda

TotalEnergies has signed a strategic MOU with Makerere to collaborate on various education and skilling initiatives targeting students at the institution’s different colleges (PHOTO /Courtesy)

TotalEnergies has signed a strategic MOU with Makerere to collaborate on various education and skilling initiatives targeting students at the institution’s different colleges (PHOTO /Courtesy)

KAMPALA — TotalEnergies in Uganda has on Tuesday August 15, signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Makerere University (MUK) to collaborate on various education and skilling initiatives targeting students at the institution’s different colleges.

The MoU will create a framework of collaboration on diverse segments, projects, and subjects in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 regarding Quality Education, and TotalEnergies’ Pillar on Youth Inclusion and Education, as well as TotalEnergies’ commitment to skills and capacity development in Uganda.

Speaking on behalf of Total Energies Country Chair at a press conference held at Makerere University, Mrs. Mariam Nampeera Mbowa, the Deputy General Manager at TotalEnergies EP Uganda said said the oil giants is committed to supporting young people to play an active role in the development of their respective countries.

“We are driven by the belief that sustainable development cannot be achieved without effective solutions to promote youth inclusion in the professional and social arena. Our objective is to procure opportunities to demonstrate, utilize and refine their talents such that they can play a key role in the development of their communities”.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, echoed the significance of commitment of Total Energies to the partnership with Makerere University; “Makerere University welcomes this partnership with Total Energies, especially as we mark the important milestone of our Centenary. Makerere University has made enormous contribution to human capacity development and general economic and social growth of Uganda, Africa and with significant contribution to the world at large. There is no part of the world where you go and not find a Makererean serving with distinction or creating value to society.

“We want to make even greater contributions to growing our country, and providing solutions to challenges the world is faced with. With emphasis on research, innovation and empowerment of young people, this partnership is an important enabler for the University to achieve the ambitious goals it has set for the next 100 years.”

According to a recent Ministry of Health report, Uganda is in the process of strengthening emergency medical services with focus on infrastructure, ambulances, financing, and human resources. As part of the collaborative activities indicated in the MoU, TotalEnergies EP Uganda under this same framework agreement also signed a project agreement with the University to provide capacity building support worth USD 150,000 to the Makerere University College of Health Sciences towards upgrading the Emergency Medical Skills Training Centre.

The support will specifically cover fit-out and ICT installations at the skills training center, as well as purchase of training equipment and simulation medical equipment to be utilized during the emergency medical training sessions. The centre will be fully operated by Makerere University College of Health Sciences which provides training for health workers in emergency medicine.

The signing of the MOU was witnessed by representatives from Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Ministry of Education and Sports, Petroleum Authority of Uganda and TotalEnergies’ Joint Venture Partners: UNOC and CNOOC.

Enhancing Educational Content, Skills Development and Employment Opportunities

The MoU covers collaborations on educational content, skills development, research and social activities to include:

Working closely with MUK to identify students from various disciplines in the technical and support categories for scholarships, internships, graduate trainee programs or possible recruitment by TotalEnergies in Uganda.

Identify eligible partners or contractors to work with in order to promote TotalEnergies’ ‘Train the trainer’ program.

The Company will also build sustainable interfaces with the Department of Geology and Petroleum studies in order to enhance student competencies in geosciences and reservoirs and immerse young talent in the petroleum industry.

Support Forums organised by Makerere University (e.g., Sector events, career days, etc.) to provide information about the Oil and Gas Industry, available career opportunities and invite students to participate in the TotalEnergies awareness forums and online courses with an objective of making them more familiar with energy related issues

Contributions to the MUK Centennials Celebrations.

TotalEnergies in Uganda will also support Makerere University’s centennial celebration activities including the MAK Centenary Run, the Makerere @100 Expo/Exhibition and refurbishment of the Ivory Tower Auditorium.

Research Support and Collaboration

The Company will also participate in specific research studies to include support of renewable energy technologies and innovations through enhancing the capacity of tutors, lecturers and students in aspects of renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy conservation as well as partnership with Centre for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation (CREEC), among others.

Other TotalEnergies EP Uganda Education Initiatives

The Company has previously invested in various youth inclusion programmes such as.

Scholarships program

Since 2013, the Company has undertaken a robust scholarship program with over 200 scholars having completed their O’ Level (50 beneficiaries), A ‘Level

(140 beneficiaries) and Vocational Training education (26 beneficiaries). The pioneer A ‘level and vocational scholars finished their education in 2019 scholars and successfully graduated.

Graduate Trainee Programs

o Drilling Graduate Trainee Program: We have 12 beneficiaries under this program; 6 from Makerere University and 6 from other universities including

GSR Graduate Trainee Program: We have 5 beneficiaries from Makerere University and 1 from Busitema University.

Graduate Management Trainees under TEMU: 3 beneficiaries i.e., 2 attached to operations and 1 to supplies department.

STARTUPPER

An annual entrepreneurial competition that rewards innovative projects by the youth in Uganda with support (financial, exposure & coaching) to develop and implement their projects. In STARTUPPER, three young entrepreneurs are awarded and qualify for nomination to be selected for Africa’s Top 3 Innovators for further coaching, exposure and networking.

Total Energies Professeurs Associés (TPA)

o Since 2012, TotalEnergies EP Uganda through the TotalEnergies Professeurs Associés (TPA) programme, has supported 12 different oil and gas related courses at Kyambogo University, Makerere University Business School and Makerere University. The courses offered cover different oil and gas themes, and this has contributed to the development of local capacity and talent in the oil sector.

Tilenga MOOC

On January 10th, 2022, as part of its Truly Ugandan national content campaign, the Company also launched the Tilenga Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) aimed at identifying, training and recruiting over 120 Ugandans for the Tilenga project. The Tilenga MOOC is an initiative to build capacity of Ugandans and skill them to participate in the oil and gas sector.

Comments

The Latest

To Top