TotalEnergies EP Uganda and global energy technology company SLB have donated advanced software and computer hardware to three leading Ugandan universities—Makerere, Kyambogo, and Nkumba—to strengthen their petroleum training programs.
The donation, valued at over $200,000 (UGX 770 million), includes eight high-performance computer stations per university, equipped with industry-standard software such as Petrel, Techlog, Eclipse, and Petromod, used in oil and gas exploration and production.
SLB will also provide training for faculty and students in July 2025 to ensure effective use of the tools, with annual license renewals to sustain long-term learning.
The initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on quality education and supports Uganda’s national efforts to build local expertise in the burgeoning oil and gas industry.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr. Philippe Groueix, General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda, emphasized the company’s commitment to national content development and youth inclusion.
“Over 1,500 Ugandans have already been trained in transferable technical skills with international certifications, enhancing their employability both locally and globally,” he said. “This donation further equips universities to produce skilled professionals ready for Uganda’s energy sector.”
Valerian Pfrimmer, SLB’s Managing Director for East and South Africa, highlighted the importance of practical training.
“These software platforms bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world operations, empowering students with hands-on experience in exploration and production,” he said.
Representatives from the beneficiary universities welcomed the support, noting its potential to elevate Uganda’s technical education standards.
Prof. Juma Kasozi (Makerere University) called it a “transformative step for petroleum education,” while Dr. John Okuonzi (Kyambogo University) praised the partnership for “equipping students with cutting-edge skills,” whereas Prof. Jude T. Lubega (Nkumba University) emphasized the long-term benefits for Uganda’s local talent pipeline.
The event was attended by Betty Namubiru, Manager of National Content at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, alongside representatives from CNOOC, Uganda National Oil Company, and EACOP Ltd.
This initiative complements other TotalEnergies EP Uganda programs, including: Tilenga Academy and Train the Trainer programs,Makerere University Emergency Medicine Simulation Centre (2023)Scholarships, internships, and auditorium refurbishments.
With Uganda’s oil and gas sector poised for growth, such collaborations are critical in ensuring that local talent drives the industry’s future.