Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is seeking for Sh2.5b to be able to provide adequate security to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
“You know the security of our oil pipeline isn’t catered for, Tanzania is ready, they have already budgeted for. It is a thorn in our back, it has remained unfunded,” said Vincent Ssempijja, the Minister for Defence.
He was appearing before the Parliament’s Defence Committee to defend the UPDF budget which is being scrutinized by Parliament.
Relatedly, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) also wants Sh31.5b to develop an oil and gas monitoring system to be used to monitor all taxpayers within this sector.
Wilson Kajwengye (Nyabushozi County) challenged the Minister and wondered why EACOP security is budgeted for differently from the national budget.
“Are you saying that on the part of Uganda, you haven’t provided for the security of our pipeline? It is first of all Uganda’s pipeline before it becomes East Africa, so how can you not provide for it?” Kajwenge asked.
