Uganda’s first oil still on track for 2026

What the report says

Uganda’s oil industry remains on course for first production before the end of 2026, according to officials cited by The Observer. The report says drilling has moved ahead of the minimum target, with 228 wells drilled against a threshold of 170 for First Oil, while the remaining work mainly involves fitting production tubing. The key bottleneck is now infrastructure, especially processing facilities and the export pipeline.

The Observer reported that the Tilenga central processing facility in Buliisa district, operated by TotalEnergies EP Uganda, was 68.6% complete by the end of July, below the 80% level the Petroleum Authority of Uganda says is needed before pre-commissioning can start. In contrast, the Kingfisher facility in Kikuube district, run by CNOOC Uganda Limited, is reported at 99% completion and under commissioning. The 1,443-kilometre East African Crude Oil Pipeline, which will carry Uganda’s heated waxy crude, is said to be 91% complete.

Officials described Tilenga, Kingfisher and EACOP as synchronized projects that must all be ready before First Oil can be declared. The article also noted expected peak output of 190,000 barrels per day from Tilenga and 40,000 from Kingfisher, plus planned production of gas, power and LPG. Broader context in the report suggests the sector is already affecting public finances, infrastructure and jobs, with petroleum revenues supporting projects such as Hoima City Stadium and roads in the Albertine region.

The story also highlighted preparations for legal and technical risks as Uganda nears production, including judicial training and skills development through the Uganda Petroleum Institute, Kigumba. As background, large oil developments often require extensive coordination among operators, regulators, courts and local communities before commercial output can begin.