Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK) in Kiryandongo District has been enhanced with training aid facilities worth Sh21b to create a favourable training environment for students.
The institute is hoped to help Ugandans attain skills to make them not only employable in the oil and gas industry but also able to employ themselves and also start up employment generating ventures that indirectly benefit from the industry.
The facilities commissioned include a Petroleum Operation Unit, a Mechanical Workshop, tarmacked roads and solar lights on the campus streets.
While speaking at the function, Muzamiru Mukwatampora, the Acting Commissioner for Admissions, Scholarships and Student Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Sports said it has been another major step towards preparing Ugandans for opportunities around the oil industry.
“The structures have improved the learning environment and also provided the necessary facilities for learning”, he said.
He urged Ugandans especially those around the oil areas to exploit this opportunity and gain the necessary skills.
Ms Agnes Arach, the Project Coordinator in the same ministry said their dream is to make UPIK a model institution in petroleum studies on the entire African continent.
Mr Bernard Ongodia, the institute Principal reveals that the oil and gas sector has picked up and that time is now than later to train technicians in Uganda to take up the opportunities.
Ms Edith Aliguma, the Kiryandongo District LC5 Chairperson called on parents to embrace the opportunity such that they do not regret missing out on the opportunities in the oil industry in their locality.
The facilities were commissioned by the Ministry of Education and Sports at the institute premises in Kiryandongo district last (Wednesday evening.
The structures have been constructed under component 3 of the Albertine Region Sustainable Development Project funded by World Bank.
Works undertaken by Ambitious Construction Company commenced on July 8, 2020.
