The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project has reached a significant construction milestone following the delivery of its final line pipes in Uganda, marking a decisive step forward in one of the region’s most ambitious energy infrastructure developments.
The 1,443 kilometre heated pipeline, which will transport crude oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert oilfields to the Tanzanian port of Tanga, is now entering a critical phase of construction as developers intensify efforts to meet commissioning timelines and move closer to first oil.
According to project updates, the final shipment of pipes arrived in Uganda on January 10, 2026, at the Main Camp and Pipe Yard 4 facility in Kyotera District. This delivery completed a complex international supply chain process that began in December 2023 when the first batch of pipes was shipped to Dar es Salaam. Manufacturing of the pipes was completed in China in September 2025, followed by insulation works in Tanzania that concluded in late 2025.
The completion of pipe delivery is considered a key transition point in the lifecycle of the project, shifting focus from procurement to full scale construction and installation activities across Uganda and Tanzania.
The pipeline is being developed by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, a joint infrastructure initiative designed to unlock Uganda’s crude oil reserves and connect them to global markets through the Indian Ocean. Once operational, the pipeline is expected to transport oil from the Lake Albert basin to export terminals, positioning East Africa as a new entrant in global crude supply chains.
Project officials say construction activity has intensified across all sections of the pipeline route. The infrastructure is divided into three main lots, covering Uganda and Tanzania. Lot one runs from Buliisa to the Mutukula border in Uganda, lot two extends from Mutukula to Singida in Tanzania, and lot three continues from Singida to Chongoleani in Tanga where the export terminal is located.
Work is currently ongoing across all segments, including pipeline installation, hydrotesting, cleaning, gauging, and civil works for block valve stations. These technical processes are essential to ensuring structural integrity and operational safety before the pipeline can begin transporting crude oil.
Above ground installations and supporting infrastructure are also progressing steadily. Pump stations and related facilities along the route are reportedly between 59 percent and 67 percent complete, with engineers completing major structural works including concrete foundations, steel erection and piping systems. These facilities will play a central role in maintaining pressure and flow efficiency along the heated pipeline system.
At the coastal export terminal in Chongoleani, Tanga, construction has reached advanced stages. The jetty, which will handle oil loading operations for export vessels, is now more than 88 percent complete. Key marine infrastructure components such as loading arms, mooring systems and walkways have already been installed, while major concrete and piling works have been finalised.
The export terminal is one of the most critical components of the project, as it connects East African crude production to international buyers. Once completed, it will serve as the final point for storage and shipment of crude oil to global markets.
In Uganda, Energy and Mineral Development Minister Ruth Nankabirwa recently joined Tanzanian Deputy Energy Minister Salome Wycliffe Makamba on a site visit to the Marine Storage and Terminal facility in Tanga Region to assess progress. The visit underscored the joint oversight of both governments in ensuring the project remains on schedule.
The project developer has described the recent quarter as one of “focused execution” and “measurable advancement,” highlighting steady progress across multiple construction fronts. Management has emphasised that each milestone brings the project closer to first oil, a long anticipated economic target for both Uganda and Tanzania.
The Uganda National Oil Company and its partners have long positioned the pipeline as a transformative infrastructure project that will enable Uganda to monetise its crude oil reserves, which have remained undeveloped for years. The project is also expected to generate employment, infrastructure development and fiscal revenues for both countries.
However, the project has also faced sustained criticism and opposition from environmental groups and some civil society organisations, particularly over concerns related to climate impact, displacement of communities and ecological risks along the pipeline route. These debates continue alongside construction progress, reflecting the broader global tension between fossil fuel development and climate commitments.
Despite these challenges, construction momentum has remained steady, with developers maintaining that engineering, procurement and installation activities are aligned with the 2026 execution timeline. The current phase involves finalising major construction works, completing remaining installations and preparing for system testing ahead of commissioning.
As the project moves closer to completion, attention is shifting toward operational readiness, safety certification and integration of all systems required to begin commercial oil transport. Industry analysts say that while physical construction is advancing, the final success of the project will depend on testing, regulatory clearance and coordinated operations across both countries.
The arrival of the final pipes therefore represents more than just a logistical achievement. It signals the transition of EACOP from a procurement heavy phase into the final stretch of construction, bringing East Africa closer to a new chapter in its energy and export landscape.
