Ugandan Youth Embark on International Oil & Gas Training for Tilenga Project

By Adonis Byemelwa

Kampala– A hundred young Ugandans are setting off for advanced training in Oil & Gas operations and maintenance in France, Malaysia, and Oman. This milestone on April 3, 2025, marks a crucial step in preparing them for deployment on the Tilenga project as Uganda moves closer to oil production.

This cohort is the first half of 200 trainees selected through the Tilenga Academy Massive Open Online Course in 2022. Their journey began in April 2024 with foundational training at the Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK).

Over the past year, they’ve honed their skills in Oil and Gas Production, Maintenance, Health, Safety, and Environment under the guidance of UPIK and Dietsmann, the project's Maintenance, Operations, and Execution Contractor.

“Seeing these young Ugandans take this step is a proud moment,” said Philippe Groueix, General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda. “This program is about more than just technical training—it’s about empowering local talent with global expertise.
The knowledge they gain will not only benefit the Tilenga project but also open doors for them across the global energy industry.”

The trainees will now embark on specialized courses in Production, Electrical, Mechanical, and Instrumentation at world-renowned institutions—TLS/Oleum in France, INSTEP in Malaysia, and TPO in Oman.

The international training spans 18 weeks, followed by a five-week intensive session in France, culminating in an Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organization (OPITO) certification, a credential that significantly boosts their global employability.

For Rania Birungi, one of the trainees, this opportunity is life-changing. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to contribute to my country’s oil industry and build a career on the global stage,” she said. “It’s proof that dreams do come true.”

Upon completion, the trainees will take on specialized roles: 29% in Production, 23% in Mechanical Maintenance, 23% in Instrumentation Maintenance, 14% in Electrical Maintenance, 6% in Laboratory work, and 1% in Inspection. The next cohort, which started at UPIK in October 2024, will follow the same path later this year.

TotalEnergies, through its Tilenga project, is committed to equipping Ugandan youth with world-class training, ensuring they are at the forefront of the country’s oil and gas industry.

With major energy hubs like TLS/Oleum, INSTEP, and TPO shaping their expertise, these trainees are not just preparing for jobs—they’re preparing to drive Uganda’s future in the global energy landscape.