110 Certified to Drive Heavy Goods Vehicles for Oil and Gas

Up to 110 Ugandans have been licensed and certified to operate heavy goods trucks and trailers across the East African region after successfully completing a three-month training course under CNOOC Uganda Limited.

This move is seen as a significant step towards boosting Uganda's oil and gas sector. 

The graduates were equipped with professional skills necessary for long-distance driving through various terrains. The training was executed in partnership with the Uganda Driving Standards Agency (UDSA) and the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom (BKK).

According to a press release issued about the graduation, the training was specifically designed to address the skills gap in Uganda’s logistics and transportation sectors. “This initiative is particularly crucial as the country continues to develop its oil and gas industry,” the release said.

The training is part of the local content initiative, which is critically needed in the sector. The trainees were selected by the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom from eight districts in the Sub-Region, including Kikuube, Hoima, and Masindi, among others. The kingdom was also commended for its pivotal role in the program by providing training grounds across the entire kingdom.

CNOOC Uganda Vice President Ma Peixin praised the graduates, emphasizing the importance of this training for the nation’s growing energy sector. "We are optimistic that the training will enhance the knowledge and practice of professional driving in line with international standards for HGV drivers," Ma Peixin stated. He also expressed gratitude to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) and the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom for their collaboration, which was instrumental in the program's success.

Ernest Rubondo, Executive Director of PAU, highlighted the critical role of safety in the driving profession, particularly for those operating large vehicles. "Every day, you are entrusted with the responsibility of handling large vehicles, transporting goods, and ensuring the safety of everyone on the road," Rubondo remarked, reinforcing the program’s focus on safety and precision.

The Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Andrew Byakutuga Ateenyi, echoed these sentiments, expressing hope for continued collaboration with CNOOC Uganda. "We want our people to be skilled enough so that we can gain from the oil and gas resource," he said, underlining the program’s alignment with the Kingdom’s broader goals of community development and local content enhancement.

Among the graduates was Asraf Bagada, who thanked CNOOC Uganda for providing the opportunity to acquire essential skills, including defensive driving and driver discipline. "We feel that we are ready to tap into the HGV jobs that oil and gas bring forth," Bagada expressed, reflecting the optimism shared by many of the newly licensed drivers.

The three-month training program was designed to be interactive, allowing participants to explore and discuss key concepts of heavy goods driving and road safety. Trainers noted that the program had successfully created a platform for both learning and discussion, fostering a deeper understanding of the professional demands and safety standards required in the industry.