Uganda has firmly committed to achieving first oil production in 2026, with the country’s critical East African Crude Oil Pipeline now 90% complete. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has ruled out any further delays to the long-awaited project that has attracted $7.5 billion in foreign direct investment.
Permanent Secretary Irene Batebe made the assurance during a high-level supervision visit to key oil and gas infrastructure projects in the Albertine Graben region, stating that all components necessary for production readiness are falling into place. At the Kingfisher Development Area, operated by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), three out of four well pads are already complete, with significant progress on the Central Processing Facility.
When fully operational, Kingfisher is expected to produce 40,000 barrels of oil per day, contributing to a projected 230,000 barrels per day at peak national production. Head of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe, who led the supervision mission, expressed confidence after witnessing the progress firsthand, declaring there would be “no more excuses, no more extensions.” The East African Crude Oil Pipeline stretches from Uganda’s Albertine Graben to Tanzania’s Tanga Port, with construction having begun in 2023. Upon completion in 2026, it is expected to transport 216,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
In a parallel development, Uganda is also moving forward with its first oil refinery in partnership with UAE investors. The planned 60,000-barrel-per-day refinery will be developed as a public-private partnership, with the Ugandan government retaining 40% equity while UAE-based Alpha MBM Investments holds 60%. Treasury official Ramathan Ggoobi emphasized the refinery’s strategic importance for meeting regional demand in neighboring countries including Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan.
Sources: pipeline-journal.net, nilepost.co.ug