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TotalEnergies and SLB Strengthen Oil & Gas Training at Leading Universities
By Judith Earns
Published on 11/06/2025 18:36
Business News
TotalEnergies EP Uganda General Manager Philippe Groueix, Valerian PFRIMMER, Managing Director for East and South Africa at SLB, Betty Namubiru, National Content Manager at Petroleum Authority of Uganda with reps from universities

TotalEnergies EP Uganda and SLB are investing in Uganda’s oil and gas sector by equipping Makerere, Kyambogo, and Nkumba Universities with advanced education software and computer hardware. This initiative aims to enhance the skills of Ugandan professionals entering the industry.

Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on quality education, the effort reinforces both companies' commitment to national content development by expanding technical training opportunities.

"We've long supported Ugandan institutions like UPIK, Makerere, and Kyambogo Universities to train more professionals in oil and gas disciplines," said Philippe Groueix, General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda. "This latest investment strengthens that support, aligning with our goals for national content development, youth inclusion, and education. Over 1,500 Ugandans have already gained internationally certified technical skills, boosting their employability at home and abroad."

TotalEnergies EP Uganda donated eight computer hardware stations per university, worth over $200,000 (770 million UGX), while SLB supplied four specialized training software licenses—Petrel, Techlog, Eclipse, and Petromod—installed on each station. SLB will also conduct user training in July 2025 and provide annual software license renewals.

Valerian Pfrimmer, Managing Director for East and South Africa at SLB, emphasized the practical benefits:

"By providing our industry-leading software, we are bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world applications. These platforms are essential for oil exploration and production, strengthening geoscience and engineering education while supporting national development."

The equipment was officially handed over to university representatives, including Prof. Juma Kasozi (Makerere), Dr. John Okuonzi (Kyambogo), and Prof. Jude T. Lubega (Nkumba Vice Chancellor), who expressed gratitude. The event also included key stakeholders, such as Betty Namubiru, Manager of National Content at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, and representatives from CNOOC, Uganda National Oil Company, and EACOP Ltd.

This initiative is part of TotalEnergies EP Uganda’s broader strategy to enhance specialized education and workforce development. Other programs include Tilenga Academy, the Train the Trainer initiative, the Makerere University Emergency Medicine Simulation Training Centre (established in 2023), internships, and graduate trainee opportunities, all aimed at strengthening Uganda’s energy sector workforce.

 

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