UPIK OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES THE TRAIN THE UPIK TRAINERS (TTUT) PROGRAMME

Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK) has launched the Train the UPIK Trainers (TTUT) Programme, a strategic capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening Uganda’s technical workforce for the oil and gas sector. The programme is implemented in partnership with TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU).

Officially launched on 30 June 2026 in Kigumba, the TTUT Programme marks a major milestone in the implementation of the UPIK–TEPU Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). It reflects a shared commitment to building institutional capacity and delivering internationally benchmarked technical training for Uganda’s emerging petroleum industry.

The programme will support 22 UPIK instructors through a structured professional development pathway designed to enhance technical expertise, instructional competence, and industry-relevant operational knowledge. The instructors are drawn from four key disciplines: Production (9), Mechanical (6), Electrical (4), and Instrumentation (3).

A Competency-Based Training Approach

The TTUT Programme adopts a comprehensive, competency-based framework that integrates technical learning, practical assessment, international exposure, and industry immersion. This approach ensures that UPIK trainers are equipped to deliver training aligned with global standards and the operational demands of Uganda’s oil and gas sector, including the Tilenga Project.

Four Phases of Implementation

The programme is structured across four progressive phases:

Phase One focused on the transfer of specialised training materials developed by Dietsmann for the Tilenga Academy. These resources, covering all four disciplines, provide standardised, industry-aligned training content. This phase has been successfully completed.
Phase Two (July–August 2026) emphasizes technical capacity development through guided self-study and remote mentorship by Dietsmann experts. Instructors will undergo rigorous theoretical and practical assessments, with the top five performers selected for advanced international training.
Phase Three, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, will strengthen instructional and pedagogical skills. Selected instructors will undertake a two-month On-the-Job Observation (OJO) programme at Takatuf Petrofac Oman (TPO), where they will observe the delivery of OPITO Level 2 training programmes and refine their teaching methodologies.
Phase Four, planned for mid-2027, will provide all 22 instructors with hands-on operational exposure through structured rotations at the Tilenga Project following start-up. This will enable instructors to integrate real-world industry experience into training delivery.

Strengthening Partnerships and National Capacity

UPIK extends its appreciation to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) for its continued commitment to capacity building and for providing the regulatory guidance and oversight necessary to ensure the successful launch and implementation of the TTUT Programme.

The Institute also recognizes Dietsmann as a committed industry partner whose contribution to knowledge and technology transfer is central to the programme’s success. Through technical support, training resources, and mentorship, Dietsmann plays a critical role in strengthening UPIK’s training capabilities in line with international standards.

Advancing Uganda’s National Content Agenda

Speaking at the launch, the UPIK Principal reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to developing highly competent trainers capable of delivering internationally recognised technical education. He emphasized that strengthening trainer capacity is essential for building a skilled national workforce to support safe, efficient, and sustainable oil and gas operations.

Staff participating in the TTUT Programme are encouraged to fully commit their time, effort, and the necessary resources to ensure its successful completion. Their dedication will be instrumental in achieving the programme’s objectives and in strengthening UPIK’s role as a centre of excellence for petroleum training in Africa.

The TTUT Programme highlights the strength of collaboration between UPIK, TEPU, PAU, and industry partners in advancing Uganda’s National Content objectives through sustainable knowledge transfer, institutional development, and human capital investment. By combining internationally developed curricula, competency-based assessment, OPITO-aligned training practices, expert mentorship, and field-based experience, the programme significantly enhances UPIK’s ability to produce industry-ready graduates.

As Uganda moves closer to first oil, initiatives such as the TTUT Programme demonstrate the critical role of strategic industry–academia partnerships in developing a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s long-term energy ambitions.