TotalEnergies in Uganda has on Tuesday signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Makerere University to collaborate on various education and skilling initiatives targeting students at the institution’s different colleges.
The MoU targets at creating a framework of collaboration on diverse segments, projects, and subjects in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 regarding Quality Education, and TotalEnergies’ Pillar on Youth Inclusion and Education, as well as TotalEnergies’ commitment to skills and capacity development in Uganda.
Mariam Nampeera Mbowa, the Deputy General Manager at TotalEnergies EP Uganda told the press at the MoU signing at Makerere University that the partnership is intended at enhancing educational content, skills development and employment opportunities.
“The MoU covers collaborations on educational content, skills development, research and social activities to include; working closely with MUK to identify students from various disciplines in the technical and support categories for scholarships, internships, graduate trainee programs or possible recruitment by TotalEnergies in Uganda and identify eligible partners or contractors to work with in order to promote TotalEnergies’ ‘Train the trainer’ program.”
She noted that the Company will also build sustainable interfaces with the Department of Geology and Petroleum studies in order to enhance student competencies in geosciences and reservoirs and immerse young talent in the petroleum industry.
In the MoU, TotalEnergies pledged to support forums organised by Makerere University (e.g., Sector events, career days, etc.) to provide information about the Oil and Gas Industry, available career opportunities and invite students to participate in the TotalEnergies awareness forums and online courses with an objective of making them more familiar with energy related issues.
“Total Energies is committed to supporting young people to play an active role in the development of their respective countries. We are driven by the belief that sustainable development cannot be achieved without effective solutions to promote youth inclusion in the professional and social arena. Our objective is to procure opportunities to demonstrate, utilize and refine their talents such that they can play a key role in the development of their communities.”
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, echoed the significance of commitment of Total Energies to the partnership with Makerere University.
Ugandan enterprises urged to explore regional oil and gas opportunities“Makerere University welcomes this partnership with Total Energies, especially as we mark the important milestone of our Centenary. Makerere University has made enormous contribution to human capacity development and general economic and social growth of Uganda, Africa and with significant contribution to the world at large. There is no part of the world where you go and not find a Makererean serving with distinction or creating value to society.”
“We want to make even greater contributions to growing our country, and providing solutions to challenges the world is faced with. With emphasis on research, innovation and empowerment of young people, this partnership is an important enabler for the University to achieve the ambitious goals it has set for the next 100 years,” added the VC whose contract has recently been renewed.
According to a recent Ministry of Health report, Uganda is in the process of strengthening emergency medical services with focus on infrastructure, ambulances, financing, and human resources. As part of the collaborative activities indicated in the MoU, TotalEnergies EP Uganda under this same framework agreement also signed a project agreement with the University to provide capacity building support worth USD 150,000 to the Makerere University College of Health Sciences towards upgrading the Emergency Medical Skills Training Centre.
The support will specifically cover fit-out and ICT installations at the skills training center, as well as purchase of training equipment and simulation medical equipment to be utilized during the emergency medical training sessions. The centre will be fully operated by Makerere University College of Health Sciences which provides training for health workers in emergency medicine.
The signing of the MoU was witnessed by representatives from Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Ministry of Education and Sports, Petroleum Authority of Uganda and TotalEnergies’ Joint Venture Partners; UNOC and CNOOC.
TotalEnergies in Uganda also pledged to support Makerere University’s centennial celebration activities including the MAK Centenary Run, the Makerere @100 Expo and refurbishment of the Ivory Tower Auditorium.
Mrs. Mbowa noted that the Company will also participate in specific research studies to include support of renewable energy technologies and innovations through enhancing the capacity of tutors, lecturers and students in aspects of renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy conservation as well as partnership with Centre for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation (CREEC), among others.
