Authorities is searching for Shs2.5 billion to deploy the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) to safe the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
This was revealed by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Vincent Ssempijja who appeared earlier than the Committee on Defence and Inner Affairs on Thursday, 11 January 2024.
The EACOP is a pipeline that can transport oil produced from Uganda’s Lake Albert oilfields to the port of Tanga in Tanzania.
The pipeline is buried and as soon as topsoil and vegetation have been re-instated, individuals and animals will be capable of cross freely anyplace alongside its size.
“Tanzania is prepared; they’ve budgeted for safety of the pipeline however Uganda just isn’t . That is nonetheless a thorn in our again; it’s an unfunded precedence,”Ssempijja stated.
Ssempijja who was defending the Defence Ministry’s 2024/2024 finances stated that while theministry requires Shs2.5 billion for safety of EACOP, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Financial Improvement has not allotted any funds.
“We now have a committee which I put in place comprising related entities, together with the Ministry of Power however they’re all headed by Protection Ministry and we don’t funds for safety of the oil pipeline,” he added.
Committee Chairperson, Hon. Wilson Kajwenjye stated that authorities should prioritise safety of the pipeline.
“That’s unlucky; it’s at the beginning Uganda’s pipeline earlier than it turns into East Africa. How are you going to not present for its safety?” he requested.
Hon. Simon Peter Opolot (NRM, Kanyum County) requested the minister to think about a partnership with the oil firms resembling Complete Energies to offer safety for the pipeline.
“Is there any risk of the companions additionally having curiosity in offering safety,” Opolot requested.
The minister additionally raised concern over failure by Ministry of Finance to prioritise development of Nakasongola air drive airport, saying that it’s a crucial various to Entebbe Worldwide Airport.
The Defence Ministry sought Shs57 billion for development of the Nakasongola air drive wing airport however no funds have been allotted.
“Uganda is a landlocked nation and if something occurs to Entebbe airport, we will have a catastrophe,” Sempijja stated.
Based on the Finances Framework Paper, the ministry requires Shs9 trillion for the 2024/2025 monetary yr, however Shs3.8 trillion has been allotted, leaving a shortfall of Shs5.2 trillion.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
