Two engineers from Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development have successfully completed an intensive 10-day geothermal drilling capacity-building programme at GDC, marking a significant step in Uganda’s quest to launch its first geothermal drilling programme, as Kampala sets its sights on drilling at the Panyimur geothermal prospect in Pakwach District between 2027 and 2028.
Senior Drilling Engineer and Project Coordinator for the Uganda Geothermal Energy Resources Development Project Phase II, Eng. Sheila Wanoira, and Drilling Engineer Eng. John Tumuhimbise were awarded certificatation on Monday, July 6, 2026, after successfully completing a specialised geothermal training delivered through GDC’s Geothermal Resource Centre.
GM, Business Development and Ag. GM Strategy and Planning, Dr. George Muia hands over the certificates to the participants during the official closing ceremony in Nairobi.
The training, which formed part of an ongoing collaboration between GDC and Uganda under a Memorandum of Understanding on geothermal capacity development, combined classroom instruction with practical sessions on East Africa’s only geothermal drilling simulator, equipping the trainees with hands-on skills in geothermal drilling operations, project management, risk management and geothermal resource development.
Receiving her certificate during a ceremony held at GDC’s Kawi House offices and presided over by GDC General Manager, Business Development and Ag. General Manager, Strategy and Planning, Dr. George Muia, Eng. Wanoira described the programme as an eye-opening experience that had strengthened Uganda’s preparedness for its geothermal journey.
“The training has been exciting and extremely valuable. We have gained practical skills that will be instrumental when Uganda begins drilling. We look forward to returning for more advanced training and deepening our collaboration with GDC as we build our geothermal capacity,” she said.
Two engineers from Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development during a hands-on training session on GDC’s drilling simulator.
Eng. Tumuhimbise added that the practical exposure, particularly on the drilling simulator, had given the team the confidence to supervise future drilling operations and effectively manage potential risks.
Congratulating the participants, Dr. Muia thanked the Ugandan delegation for choosing GDC as its capacity-building partner and reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s geothermal ambitions.
“We are grateful to the Government of Uganda for the confidence it has placed in GDC. As a regional centre of excellence in geothermal development, we remain committed to sharing our expertise and supporting Uganda in its geothermal drilling programme. We look forward to deepening this collaboration and walking this journey together,” said Dr. Muia.
