The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) says the country’s oil sector is making strong progress.
PAU Executive Director Dr Ernest Rubondo said Uganda’s journey towards First Oil has reached a key milestone after CNOOC (China National Offshore Oil Company), a joint venture partner in the Kingfisher development project, confirmed the drilling of 15 wells. He said this shows Uganda is ready to enter the oil and gas production stage.
Rubondo said: “The Kingfisher project will have 31 wells. CNOOC needs 17 wells to start production, and they are moving very well. They have already drilled 15 wells, which means they are close to the 17 required to start production. This milestone shows Uganda is ready to start oil production. The remaining wells will be drilled even after production begins.”
He said construction of the Kingfisher central processing facility (CPF) is 80 percent complete. The CPF will process 40,000 barrels of oil per day at peak production. Feeder pipelines have been laid and the water intake plant is complete.
He said the Government has also connected the Kingfisher project to the hydropower grid to ensure stable power.
Rubondo praised local communities for their support and warned them against misinformation.
CNOOC President Lui Xiangdong said construction of the CPF is progressing well and will be ready next year. He said the liquefied petroleum gas separation unit is in place and water separators are being installed. He added they expect to finish the works soon.
East African Crude Oil Pipeline Company Deputy Managing Director John Bosco Habumugisha said construction of the crude oil pipeline from Kikuube in Uganda to Tanga Port in Tanzania is also on track. He said by the second half of 2026, “we should be able to see completion of this project.”
