The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Ltd. and the Buganda Kingdom have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration on environmental conservation and community development initiatives.
The partnership will focus on two flagship projects: large-scale tree growing under the Kingdom’s Ekibira Kya Kabaka initiative, and the construction of a modern community sports centre in Buddu County, Masaka District.
These initiatives align with EACOP’s Social Economic Investment pillars Environment and Youth Empowerment which emphasize sustainable interventions aimed at improving the social and economic well-being of communities along the pipeline route.
As part of its commitment, the Buganda Kingdom has allocated 120 acres of land for tree growing and an additional 10 acres for the development of a state-of-the-art community sports centre. EACOP will provide financial support for the construction of this facility, which is envisioned as a platform to nurture young talent, promote fitness, and foster community unity and engagement.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Guillaume DULOUT, Managing Director of EACOP Ltd., stated: “This MoU reflects our long-term commitment to advancing sustainability and socio-economic development. By restoring ecosystems through tree planting and supporting the construction of a modern sports centre, we are investing in initiatives that deliver lasting value to both communities and the environment.”
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, welcomed the partnership, saying: “The Kingdom cherishes collaborations that address urgent challenges such as climate change, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment. Through Ekibira Ky’Abataka and the new community sports centre, we are working with EACOP to create a legacy of resilience, opportunity, and growth for our people.”
This MoU underscores the shared vision of EACOP and the Buganda Kingdom to protect the environment while driving community transformation in Masaka and beyond.
According to EACOP Ltd., the pipeline spans 296 kilometers through 10 districts and 25 sub-counties. Of these, seven districts lie within the Buganda Kingdom, encompassing 130 villages across four of the Kingdom’s 18 counties.
The pipeline route within the Kingdom includes: Gomba District (Gomba County), Kyankwanzi District (Singo County), Mubende District (Buwekula County), Sembabule District (Mawogola County), Lwengo, Kyotera, and Rakai Districts (Buddu County).
