Uganda and Tanzania are considering constructing a pipeline from Uganda’s oil fields to the Tanzanian coast.

Uganda, which has not commenced oil production brought up the option of a Tanzanian pipeline route in 2015. A statements released after a meeting between the two heads of state on Tuesday, did not disclose the fate of the Kenyan oil export pipeline plan.

Total, had voiced security concerns about the Kenyan route. The company said that the Kenyan pipeline could go through Somalia, where militants initiated attacks on Kenya.

“The two countries are planning to build an oil pipeline between Tanga (in Tanzania) and Uganda covering a distance of 1,120 km. Magufuli said this is projected to employ 15,000 people,” Yoweri Museveni (photo), Uganda’s president said.

The dates of the commencement of production in Uganda have constantly been suspended, due to pipeline contemplations as well as the low oil prices in the global market, Reuters reports.

Anita Fatunji