Tilenga Adopts Four Shifts to Fast-track First Oil Target

What the report says

Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is increasing supervision of major oil projects as the country works toward first commercial oil production. According to Nile Post, TotalEnergies has introduced four work shifts at the Tilenga project in Buliisa to speed up construction and commissioning. The move comes as the government seeks to keep the first-oil timeline on track, with the broader target now tied to production before the end of 2026.

The article says Tilenga is 72% complete overall, while its Central Processing Facility, a key unit for first oil, stands at 68%. By contrast, drilling progress appears to be ahead of the minimum level needed for early production, with 230 of 420 planned wells completed. A ministry team visited the site and said it was encouraged by progress, while TotalEnergies said it remains committed to meeting the government’s deadline.

Nile Post also reported strong progress at the Kingfisher project in Kikuube District, operated by CNOOC Uganda. There, 22 of 31 planned wells have been drilled, the Central Processing Facility is reported at 99% completion, and the project overall is 95% complete. The feeder pipeline to Pump Station One has already been finished.

The story places the oil work in the wider context of linked infrastructure such as Kabalega International Airport, Pump Station One and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline. In general, these facilities are central to Uganda’s planned crude production and export system, which officials say is intended to support economic development if commercial output begins on schedule.