Anticipating the growing need for skilled local labour that will arise with the upcoming start of oil exploitation in the country - expected in 2023 - the Ugandan government has released 5.4 million dollars, intended to strengthen training related to the hydrocarbon sectors (oil & gas). Out of this package, 8 billion shillings (US$2.4 million) will be used to launch the Kichwamba Technical College, a public institution of higher learning, which will offer training in welding, metal fabrication, electrical installation and plumbing, among others. The new public educational institution will join the Uganda Petroleum Institute in Kigumba, which has so far been the only state institution producing world-class certified technicians. The authorities have also called on the private sector to join the government’s efforts to rapidly offer further training in these fields.