East African Countries Agree on Two Oil Pipelines
East African leaders from Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have agreed to construct two oil pipelines that will enable Uganda and Kenya commence exports of discovered resources as well as relieve South Sudan dependence on the Khartoum government for its exports.
In a communiqué read by Uganda’s foreign affairs Minister Sam Kutesa following the 10th Northern Corridor Integration Projects Summit held in Kampala the three countries will fast track the construction the building of the pipeline from Uganda to the Kenyan Coast.
The process to select the builder of the pipeline is expected to commence in the next six months following the completion of a feasibility study by Toyota Tshusho.
On the development of the oil refinery in Hoima Uganda there was a call for remaining partner states to confirm their public share participation in the project. The summit recognized steps taken by Uganda in the establishment of the National Oil Company and its subsidiary National Refinery Company to enable formation of a special purpose vehicle.
The Summit saw the attendance as observers by Ethiopia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, East African Community Secretary General Dr. Richard Sezibera and South Sudan Defence Minister Kuol Manyang who represented the country’s president.