Why Uganda must accelerate exploration beyond First Oil

What the report says

In a commentary published by The Independent Uganda, Gloria Sebikari argues that Uganda should move quickly on new petroleum exploration even as major projects advance toward “First Oil.” The piece says the country’s Tilenga and Kingfisher developments, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, and refinery plans are still progressing, but that long-term production will depend on finding additional reserves.

The article notes that Uganda has confirmed about 6.65 billion barrels of oil in place, with roughly 1.6 billion barrels recoverable, and says much of the Albertine Graben remains unlicensed for petroleum operations. It also points to a recent Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development notice about a direct application for an exploration licence at the Kanywataba and Turaco prospects as evidence of continued interest in exploration.

Sebikari presents exploration as important for sustaining infrastructure, attracting more investment, and extending the life of the sector beyond current discoveries. The commentary cites examples from Norway and Alaska to show how ongoing exploration and improved technology can raise recovery over time. It also says Uganda’s petroleum industry has already attracted more than US$14 billion in investment and could generate significant future government revenue if the resource base expands.

More broadly, the piece frames First Oil not as an endpoint but as the start of a longer phase of planning and reserve replacement. The Independent identifies the author as the Manager of Corporate Affairs at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda.