Oil & Gas

CNOOC International has successfully completed sufficient development wells at its Kingfisher project on Uganda's Lake Albert, allowing the field to begin production, authorities in Kampala confirmed. This milestone represents a significant step forward in Uganda’s oil industry, moving the country closer to tapping its vast petroleum resources.

Production from Kingfisher is set to be exported via the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) to Tanga port in Tanzania, a route that has faced scrutiny and controversy over environmental and social concerns. The pipeline will also transport crude from TotalEnergies’ larger Tilenga project, which is simultaneously under development in Uganda.

Operations along the EACOP are scheduled to start in 2026, marking a key moment for the region’s oil export infrastructure. This pipeline is critical not only for Uganda’s economic ambitions but also for regional energy supply, connecting landlocked areas to global markets.

In addition to exports, some oil from Kingfisher is planned for Uganda’s first refinery, though this facility is currently behind schedule. Once completed, the refinery will allow Uganda to process crude domestically, supporting industrial growth, job creation, and energy security within the country.