Mbarara University of Science and Technology’s Department of Petroleum Engineering and Environmental Management recently embarked on a transformative field trip to Uganda’s burgeoning oil industry. This four-day expedition, from October 17th to 20th, 2024, offered students a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the complexities and grandeur of Uganda’s oil and gas sector. This is what the students said:
Okwairwoth Francis, PEEM IV:
Recently, I had the privilege of participating in an insightful petroleum trip organized by Senior Lecturer Dr. Farad Sagala and myself as the team leader. The trip took us to various oil fields and facilities, providing valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the petroleum industry.
Our first stop was the Kingfisher Oil Field, operated by CNOOC Uganda Limited. We witnessed firsthand the extraction processes and learned about the field’s geology, reservoir management, drilling technologies, and production techniques. Then, we proceeded to Luwero Industries’ waste treatment plant where they treat drilling waste from the rig.
Next, we visited the Tilenga Oil Field, another significant project operated by TotalEnergies. We observed the field’s development stage, including exploration well, drilling operations, and the industrial area.
We also toured the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, a landmark infrastructure development. We gained an understanding of pipeline design, construction, and operational logistics.
Additionally, we stopped at the Kabaale International Airport, a dedicated facility supporting the oil and gas industry. We saw the airport’s infrastructure and learned about its role in facilitating transportation and logistics for the sector. This trip greatly enhanced our understanding of petroleum operations, reinforcing theoretical concepts learned in class. Interacting with industry professionals and witnessing real-world applications broadened our perspectives.
The experience not only deepened our knowledge but also instilled enthusiasm for contributing to Uganda’s burgeoning oil and gas sector.
I extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Farad Sagala for generously sponsoring 90% of our trip. Your support made this experience possible! To MUST administration, I urge you to continue organizing such trips. They foster experiential learning, industry connections, and inspire the next generation of petroleum professionals.
A Glimpse into Uganda’s Oil Future
Nancy Belinda PEEM IV:
My experience in Hoima and Buliisa was like a dream come true. I had always wanted to see what a rig looks like and where the Central Processing Facility (CPF) is located. Many questions filled my mind, as I often imagined how the theory I learned in class connected to what happens on the ground. However, on October 17th, all those thoughts became a reality.
If I’m not mistaken, I was the first person to wake up that Friday at 4:30 AM. I tapped all my friends so we could set off as early as possible since we were expected to be on site by 8 AM. The day was amazing, with opportunities for knowledge sharing between the experts and the technical team.
We visited the Kingfisher Development Area in Kikube District, operated by CNOOC. I gained in-depth knowledge about the operations there and asked numerous questions to see how my theories connected to the actual processes. Later that day, we visited Luwero Industries, located just a few meters from the Kingfisher operation area. This facility manages all the waste generated from the field. Honestly, anyone planning to visit should bring plenty of masks! I learned a lot from experts like Mr. Kavuma, Nelson Mwije, Marvin Wamala, and all the other experts who provided us with valuable insights into the operations.
We concluded the day by visiting the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). I grasped a clear understanding of what EACOP is doing with our oil, dispelling many media misconceptions going on around.
The next day, we visited Tilenga, operated by TotalEnergies in Buliisa, and wrapped up the trip at Kabalega International Airport, which is awaiting commissioning. This airport will facilitate the import of heavy cargo needed for refinery construction and potentially boost tourism in the area.
I can’t detail everything I saw and learned because there’s so much to share that we could talk for hours.
On behalf of all the students who participated in the trip, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Farad Sagala for his support, by holding multiple meetings with the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) to ensure the trip’s success. We are particularly grateful for his financial support on fuel, comfortable accommodations (we slept in very nice rooms), meals, the snacks along the way, and many more. It was truly overwhelming.
I also thank our department, the Department of Energy, Minerals, and Petroleum Studies, and our Head of Department, Mr. Fortunate Ogene, who made personal sacrifices, including foregoing graduation to be with us. We are genuinely grateful for his support.
This trip was especially valuable for us finalists as we prepare to enter the real world. The onsite knowledge we gained will be beneficial for the interviews and aptitude tests we hope to soon face.
I sincerely hope that these trips can become an annual occurrence. I believe the university can allocate resources for these trips, allowing students to transition into the workfield with essential basic knowledge and skills.
A Memorable Journey into Uganda’s Oil Industry
Brenda Kiiza PEEM IV:
I want to take a moment to reflect on our recent trip to the Kingfisher and Tilenga oil fields. This trip wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Dr. Farad Sagala. I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude for his sponsorship.
During our visit, we gained valuable insights into the petroleum industry and its operations in the region. We had the opportunity to learn and understand more about the intricacies of the petroleum sector in Uganda.
The trip not only deepened our understanding of the petroleum sector but also fostered meaningful connections with industry professionals and like-minded individuals.
Thank you again, Dr. Farad Sagala, for your support and commitment to education and knowledge sharing.
A Transformative Experience: Insights from the Kingfisher Oilfield and Tilenga Project
Barekye Simon PEM VI:
My experience on the petroleum trip to the Kingfisher Oilfield and Tilenga project was both enlightening and enjoyable. We had expert-led tours, gaining firsthand insights into the oil extraction process and operations from professional engineers. With the guidance of Mr. Fortunate Ogene and Mr. Walid Yassin, we learned a lot academically while also enjoying the non-academic side of the trip. Huge thanks to Mr. Sagala Falad for sponsoring this experience and making it accessible for us.
For future students, trips like this are invaluable for hands-on learning. Seize every chance to ask questions and deepen your understanding. I strongly encourage the university to prioritize and lobby for more field trips like this one. These hands-on experiences complement classroom learning and deepen students’ understanding of industry practices, preparing them for the practical challenges in the field. Investing in more of these excursions would empower students with critical skills and insights, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
A Transformative Experience
It was a wonderful trip, a great learning point, and an encouragement for me as a young student hoping to become a better petroleum engineer. It exposed us to more practical information on exploration, drilling, and completion, as well as environmental impact issues such as waste treatment and management. This kind of hands-on experience is invaluable and cannot be fully replicated within a traditional classroom setting.
The trip also provided an opportunity to explore various potential careers in the Ugandan petroleum industry, including specific roles in the Kingfisher and Tilenga projects. It shed light on the possibility of internship opportunities for students of Bachelor’s of Petroleum Engineering and Environmental Management, as the projects encompass a wide range of disciplines.
Recommendations to Future Students
Engineering is a practical field that demands innovation and technical advancement. To achieve these goals, real-world experiences must be integrated into the learning environment. Organizing more field trips like this one is crucial to provide students with hands-on exposure and a deeper understanding of industry practices.
I commend MUST administration for making this trip possible.
A Heartfelt Thank You
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Almighty for His protection and guidance throughout the trip. Without His blessings, none of this would have been possible.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to the organizers and sponsors, especially Dr. Farad Sagala. His humanity, hospitality, and selfless dedication to the petroleum students are truly inspiring. Mr. Fortunate Ogene also deserves recognition for his kindness and support.
To the MUST administration, thank you for equipping us with both theoretical and practical knowledge. Your support for the Petroleum Engineering program is invaluable, and we strive to represent MUST positively through the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). I hope this trip becomes an annual event to expose future generations of engineers to real-world experiences.
I want to acknowledge the organizing committee for their exceptional work. Their meticulous planning and execution made this trip an unforgettable experience.
This trip was truly remarkable and deserves to be documented in a book to preserve the memories and insights gained.
It was truly a spectacular experience, serving as a beacon of hope and a starting point for us, the young generation, as we strive to advance in the petroleum industry.
A Transformative Experience: Insights from the Albertine Graben
WAMALA QURAISH PEEM IV:
The two-day field trip to the Albertine Graben was a truly enriching experience that significantly expanded my understanding of the petroleum industry. As a fourth-year Petroleum Engineering and Environmental Management student at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, this trip provided invaluable practical insights.
Day One
We departed Mbarara at 8:00 AM and arrived in Kyangwali Village, Kikuube District, at 5:00 PM. Dr. Farad Sagala, our gracious host, ensured we were well-rested before embarking on our journey to the Kingfisher Development Area (KFDA) and Luwero Industries.
In the evening, we enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Dr. Sagala and, with the help of the hospitable locals, organized a campfire and a barbecue. This provided a much-needed social and recreational break.
Day Two
After a hearty breakfast, we headed to KFDA and Luwero Industries. KFDA provided a firsthand look at the practical aspects of the petroleum industry, enhancing my understanding of Uganda’s oil and gas sector. Luwero Industries offered insights into waste management and remediation processes, highlighting potential career opportunities for environmental management students.
We then traveled to Kibaale to explore the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project. The emphasis on workplace safety and the scale of the project were truly impressive.
In the evening, we returned to Hoima City for a restful night.
Day Three
The third day began with a visit to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) offices, where we received a briefing on the Tilenga project and the Kabalega International Airport. After ensuring we were equipped with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), we embarked on a journey to Bulisa.
In Bulisa, we visited the historic Waki B-1 well, drilled in 1938. We then proceeded to the Tilenga project area, where we gained insights into various career opportunities within the sector, including the qualifications and specific roles associated with Tilenga.
Our final stop was the Kabalega International Airport, which will play a crucial role in supporting oil and gas activities.
This transformative experience has significantly enhanced my understanding of the petroleum industry. I am grateful to Dr. Farad Sagala, the organizers, and MUST for providing this opportunity. I encourage future students to seize such opportunities to gain practical knowledge and skills.
The unforgotable trip to the Albertine Graben
Petroleum engineering and environmental management
Year 3
The trip to the Albertine Graben was a transformative experience for a group of petroleum engineering and environmental management students from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, I was one of those students The five-day journey took us to various key sites in the region, including the Kingfisher Oil Field, the Central Processing Facility (CPF), the Luweero Waste Treatment Plant, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, the Tilenga Oil Field, and the Kabalega International Airport.The trip provided us with a firsthand look at the practical aspects of the petroleum industry, including drilling techniques, production processes, waste management, pipeline construction, and future infrastructure development. It also exposed them to potential career opportunities and the challenges and opportunities in the sector.
