The Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, Ernest Rubondo, has commended SLB (formerly known as Schlumberger) for its efforts in advancing women in Science and Technology.

This commendation came during a meeting with Wallace Pescarini, the President of SLB Offshore Atlantic Basin, held at Petroleum House in Entebbe. Pescarini, currently in the country to participate in the STEM Forum for Women in the East African Region, hosted at the Kampala Serena Hotel, paid Rubondo a courtesy visit.

The SLB Faculty for the Future programme, launched in 2004, grants fellowships to women from developing and emerging economies to pursue PhD or post-doctoral research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields at leading universities worldwide. Rubondo noted that several Ugandan women have already benefited from this support and appealed to SLB for increased assistance.

“The initiative has promoted gender equality and women’s emancipation in science and technology. We understand that about seven Ugandan women have benefited from the programme. We hope to see these numbers grow,” said Rubondo.

Pescarini highlighted SLB’s longstanding partnership with Uganda spanning over 18 years, marked by continuous investment, national capacity development, and innovative projects ensuring the nation’s energy security.

“We acknowledge the crucial role of energy in driving Uganda’s progress and believe that collaborative efforts and shared objectives can lead to significant advancements in shaping a sustainable energy future for Uganda, while also addressing broader developmental goals,” Pescarini remarked.

Currently, SLB is contracted to undertake directional drilling tasks on the Tilenga Project and provide software solutions for various oil and gas players involved in Uganda’s oil project.

Pescarini and the SLB team expressed their eagerness to collaborate closely with the PAU, discussing initiatives and potential areas of cooperation, exchanging insights, and outlining a path for mutually beneficial growth.

By supporting STEM research for female scientists in emerging economies, SLB aims to enhance scientific and technological progress within the local communities and regions where selected candidates are awarded this programme.

Since its inception in 2004, the SLB Faculty for the Future programme has benefitted 863 women from ninety countries, enabling them to pursue PhD and post-doctoral research in STEM disciplines at leading universities and research institutions outside their home countries.