Suppliers urged to meet global standards ahead of Tilenga production phase

Ugandan suppliers have been urged to strengthen their technical capacity and compliance with international standards in order to competitively participate in the upcoming production phase of the Tilenga Project.

The call was made during the Q1 Tilenga Supplier Development Workshop held on March 6, which brought together suppliers, regulators, and joint venture partners to discuss emerging opportunities and the requirements for successful participation in Uganda’s oil and gas sector.

During the workshop, John Kyazze, Senior Standards Officer at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, emphasized the urgency for suppliers to meet stringent industry requirements as the project moves closer to the production stage.

Kyazze highlighted the importance of rigorous testing, certification, audits, permits, and strict adherence to technical standards required in the oil and gas industry.

“Complying with these standards is a commercial necessity. It is required to bid on contracts and operate in certain regions,” he said, adding that companies must align their operations with internationally recognized quality and safety benchmarks.

Speaking on behalf of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, James Musherure Rujoki, Senior National Content Officer for Contracts, outlined key opportunity areas expected during the production phase of the project.

He noted that several contracts will emerge in areas such as mechanical and electrical services, maintenance and support, inspection, production operations, and site logistics.

“There are several contracts that are going to come under mechanical, electrical, maintenance and support, inspection, production, and site logistic support,” Musherure said.

He encouraged Ugandan enterprises to prepare early by strengthening their technical capacity, securing international certifications, completing compliant registrations, and pursuing strategic partnerships.

“Suppliers should consider joint ventures and representation agreements with Original Equipment Manufacturers to enhance their competitiveness,” he added.

The workshop also provided practical guidance on compliance requirements, industry standards, and regulatory expectations for companies seeking to participate in Uganda’s oil and gas value chain.

The TotalEnergies-led Tilenga development is one of Uganda’s flagship upstream oil projects and is expected to generate significant procurement opportunities for local businesses as it transitions toward production.