Uganda’s long-anticipated journey to oil production this week received a major vote of confidence from the country’s top government officials. Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, led a high-powered, two-day supervision tour of the Albertine Graben’s oil and gas projects, confirming significant progress towards the target of First Oil by mid-2026.
The inspection team, which also included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (PS-MEMD), Eng. Irene P. Bateebe, Dr. Amina Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, and Ms. Proscovia Nabanjja, the CEO of UNOC, underlined the government’s coordinated leadership and commitment to ensuring national benefits from the multi-billion-dollar sector.
The delegation’s first stop was the Kingfisher Development Area (KFDA), operated by CNOOC. Officials were briefed on key milestones that affirm the project’s construction is “progressing steadily.” KFDA is targeted to produce 40,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd), which will contribute to a projected national peak production of 230,000 bopd (when combined with the Tilenga Project).
Three of the four planned well pads are complete, and construction of the vital Central Processing Facility (CPF), where crude oil will be separated from gas and water, is advancing rapidly.
The delegation learnt that petroleum projects have so far attracted over USD $7.5 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), a figure officials noted reflects strong and sustained investor confidence in Uganda’s regulatory and political environment.
A major focus of the high-level visit was the successful implementation of the local content policy. Officials were particularly impressed to learn that more than 70% of the technical workforce on site are Ugandans, with many being young professionals.
Eng. Bateebe highlighted that this growing local participation and human capacity development is a visible demonstration of the leadership’s coordinated efforts to benefit citizens. “The progress demonstrates coordinated leadership, growing local participation and tangible momentum toward production,” Eng. Irene Bateebe said.
The inspection tour also covered critical supporting infrastructure that will enable commercial production and exportation, which includes:
The team visited the international airport being constructed in the Kabalega Industrial Park. This airport is essential for receiving and transporting heavy, specialised equipment needed for the oil refinery and the overall development of the oil fields.
Inspection of the waste management facility demonstrated the commitment to robust environmental and safety compliance within the petroleum sector’s legal and regulatory framework.
Ms. Nakyobe’s participation as Head of Civil Service, whose role is to ensure alignment between political vision and public sector execution, underscored the national significance of the projects.
The delegation completed its tour with a visit to the Tilenga Project to review its corresponding milestones, ensuring the entire Albertine development remains synchronised for the 2026 target.