CNOOC Uganda Limited has honored 300 top-performing students from Hoima City, Hoima District, and Kikuube District during the 2025 Best Performers Awards at the Hoima District Headquarters. This annual initiative, organized in collaboration with local District Education Offices, aims to promote academic excellence and support education in the Bunyoro Sub-region.
This year’s awardees included 88 students from Hoima City, 86 from Hoima District, and 126 from Kikuube District—among them six students with disabilities. These students excelled in the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE), and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). Each received cash prizes and certificates in recognition of their academic achievements and to encourage their continued pursuit of excellence.
The awards program is aligned with CNOOC Uganda’s corporate mission, “Energy for a Better Future.” Since its inception in 2013, the initiative has benefited 1,448 students. In addition, CNOOC Uganda has supported the education sector through donations of books, furniture, and scholastic materials, as well as scholarships and vocational training programs.
Karuhanga Esther Diana, an award recipient from Kikuube District, expressed her gratitude during the ceremony:
“Standing here today feels like a dream come true. This award is more than just recognition—it is a powerful reminder that hard work is rewarded and that our future matters. I am deeply grateful to CNOOC Uganda Limited for believing in us and lighting the way forward with hope and opportunity.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Semaganda Stephen, Deputy Head Teacher of St. Andrea Kaahwa’s College, who remarked:
“The Best Performers Awards have significantly boosted students’ motivation. We’ve seen a marked improvement in academic performance, with more students advancing to higher levels of education. This initiative is creating a lasting impact on our community.”
Mr. Wang Jufeng, Vice President of CNOOC Uganda Limited, emphasized the long-term value of the program:
“Through these awards, we invest in the youth who shape Uganda’s future. Our commitment to education is part of our broader responsibility to promote sustainable community development.”
Beyond education, CNOOC Uganda’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs also support healthcare—such as free medical camps—and sports through the annual CNOOC-Bunyoro Kitara Amasaza Cup. The company also champions economic empowerment initiatives like improved rice and millet farming projects, benefiting women and youth across the Albertine region.
Uthuman Mugisha Muburak, LCV Chairperson of Hoima District and Chief Guest at the event, praised CNOOC Uganda’s contributions to socioeconomic development: “CNOOC Uganda’s initiatives in education, healthcare, agriculture, and skills development are transforming lives in the communities where it operates. The Best Performers Awards, in particular, have improved academic performance in Hoima, Kikuube, and Hoima City by over 500% since their inception, according to our education technical team. We pledge our continued support to CNOOC as it develops the oil and gas sector while extending immense opportunities to host communities.”
