FAQ'S
About the IEC
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What programs and services does the iec offer?
The IEC offers SME Capacity Development (Training), Supplier Development workshops and Themed networking events, Business Advisory, Dissemination plus Publicizing and disseminating Uganda’s Oil and Gas information.
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What Capacity Building programmes / Training does the IEC offer?
The IEC offers training that is relevant to SMEs in the Oil and Gas sector. These include General training such as Introduction to Oil and Gas, Training for Business Growth and resilience such as Business planning, HR management, financial management, Bid management and Contract management training such as procurement, joint venture management and Trainings by Tier 1 contractors such as Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Quality management and Environment Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) amongst others.
About the application and selection process
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How does an SME participate in the IEC programmes and services?
An SME can participate in the programs and services of the centre by clicking the application link below;
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What next after the application?
All applications shall be reviewed based upon the established eligibility criteria and SMEs meeting these criteria shall be shortlisted to participate in IEC programs and services. Only shortlisted SMEs shall be contacted to confirm their participation in the program and shall also receive further guidelines on the capacity-building programs via email.
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Can I apply if my business is not registered?
Unfortunately, only registered businesses can participate in IEC program and services. Should your business not yet be registered, reach out for support, the IEC will support you to get your business registered.
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Does my Company have to be registered on the NSD to participate in IEC Programmes and services?
All applications shall be reviewed based upon the established eligibility criteria and SMEs meeting these criteria shall be shortlisted to participate in IEC programs and services. Only shortlisted SMEs shall be contacted to confirm their participation in the program and shall also receive further guidelines on the capacity-building programs via email.
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Is participation in IEC Programs and activities free?
Yes. All trainings and capacity building programs at the IEC are completely free of charge to selected SMEs. All programs and services are sponsored by TotalEnergies EP Uganda and its joint venture partners CNOOC and UNOC.
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How many SME's shall be selected to be part of IEC programs and services?
A total of at least 300 SMEs shall be selected annually to participate in IEC programs and services annually.
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What happens to SME's who register their profiles with the IEC but are not shortlisted for the training?
SME's that are not shortlisted for the training shall have access to various resources, including an online library of customized guides to facilitate their growth. They will also benefit from Supplier Development workshops, Themed Networking Events and have access to the IEC Resource Centre.
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How Often are the Supplier Development Workshops and Themed Networking Events?
The Supplier Development Workshops and Themed Networking Events are quarterly. Please check the ‘Updates and events’ section on the website for any updates.
About the Training and Graduation
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How long shall iec programs and services run?
IEC programs and services shall run from 2023 to 2026, with a possibility of extension.
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What specific training programs are being offered at the IEC?
To find out more about our learning and training programs, check out the training courses page for more information via the link below;
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How many courses do I have to attend in order to graduate at the IEC as an SME?
Each SME shall receive a customized learning journey that suits its particular needs and requirements in order to participate actively and meaningfully in the Oil & Gas sector in Uganda. Our Business Development experts shall work closely and collaboratively with each SME to outline a feasible training program, upon completion of which the SMEs shall be able to graduate at the IEC.
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How long is the training for each SME?
Each participating SME shall be placed into training cohorts with other enterprises from similar industries and sectors. Each SMEs shall then receive a staggered training along side coaching and mentoring for a period ranging between 6 moths – year, after which they shall graduate. The learning modules for each course shall take between 3 to 5 days of training.
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What is the learning mode for the training and capacity-building programs?
Each SME shall receive a customized learning program that shall be done either physically or taken as an online session.
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Can I access IEC services if I am outside Kampala?
Yes, you can access IEC services regardless of your location. The IEC services will be delivered in person at the main Centre located at plot 12 Ngabo Road, Kololo, Kampala. A hybrid approach will be adopted for some programs to facilitate widespread participation.
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When is the SME graduation ceremony planned?
The SME graduation ceremony at the IEC shall be conducted at the end of each training cohort. The 1st graduation ceremony for SME's is planned for July 2025.
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What happens if I am unable to graduate with my cohort?
SME's that are unable to complete their training programs in time for their cohort graduation shall be considered for graduation the following year together with subsequent training cohorts.
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Will the IEC issue tenders and business opportunities to SME's after participation and graduation?
No. The IEC shall not issue any tenders or business opportunities to SME's, even after graduation. We however shall run an Alumni management portal for IEC graduates to stay updated with latest developments and business opportunities in the sector.
About the resource centre
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What is the IEC Resource Centre?
The IEC Resource Centre is a well-equipped physical center that serves as a support hub, offering a wide range of services such as access to information, educational materials, database management, computers & internet to empower businesses and foster innovation at the IEC.
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How often is the Centre Open for in person day-to-day inquiries?
The centre is Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. The Centre is closed over the weekend and on public holidays.
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How often is the Centre Open for in person day-to-day inquiries?
No appointment is required prior to using the resource centre.
