Why Uganda must accelerate exploration beyond First Oil

What the report says

The Observer published an opinion piece arguing that Uganda should speed up new oil exploration even as it advances toward “first oil.” The article says major projects including Tilenga, Kingfisher, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and a planned refinery are moving forward, but warns that future production will depend on finding more reserves beyond current developments. The piece is authored by Gloria Sebikari, identified as manager of corporate affairs at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda.

The report says Uganda has confirmed about 6.65 billion barrels of oil in place, with roughly 1.6 billion barrels recoverable, but notes that petroleum resources are finite. It cites official figures showing that only 14% of the Albertine Graben is licensed for petroleum operations, leaving most of the basin unlicensed, and adds that other sedimentary basins also remain underexplored. A recent application for an exploration licence over the Kanywataba and Turaco prospects is presented as evidence of continued interest in the sector.

The article frames exploration as an economic issue as well as a technical one. It says Uganda’s petroleum industry has already attracted more than $14 billion in investment and accounts for nearly 70% of foreign direct investment into the country. More exploration, the writer argues, could support jobs, local businesses, technology transfer and future state revenue.

The piece uses Norway as a broad example of how ongoing exploration and investment can extend the life of an oil sector. In that context, it argues that Uganda should treat first oil as a beginning rather than an end, with long-term planning aimed at sustaining infrastructure and broader economic gains.