By Jackie R.N. Kasimbi
Recently, as a form of government accountability, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Ms. Lucy Nakyobe led a delegation of Permanent Secretaries Dr. Aminah Zawedde of Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, Eng. Irene Batebe of Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development together with the CEO of Uganda National Oil Company Ms. Proscovia Nabbanja to tour the Albertine graben projects of fast oil production and gas infrastructure projects including King Fisher Oil Development Project, Luweero Industries, Tilenga Oil Development Project, Kabalega International Airport
The purpose of the tour was to fast track the progress of oil exploration and to reaffirm Uganda’s commitment to first oil production come 2026 ruling out any rumours to project extensions or that the oil is non-existent and had already been sold.
During the visit, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Eng. Irene Batebe assured the Secretary to Cabinet and members of the general public present that come July 2026, oil production in Uganda will be up and running.
Worth noting is the fact that the project has already attracted more than $7.5 billion in terms of foreign direct investment from foreign contracted oil production companies and that excludes the jobs that have been created for the local communities. A fun fact, while the team was in the Albertine graben, we noticed students from Kyambogo University that had swarmed into the region for research and internship/ volunteer opportunities. The engineers, crane operators, drill operators, clean energy, waste disposal trickled down to the drivers and those that prepare the meals for the employees and so many more; these are all employment opportunities for the people
Eng. Irene Batebe further explained that Uganda’s oil journey has involved extensive preparation, like establishing a robust legal and regulatory framework, construction of vital infrastructure easing transportation of the oil using Kabalega International Airport (KIA). Actually, the establishment of Kabalega International Airport makes a lot of sense because of the dangers of oil waste but also the bulk of it so imagine if these had to be transported all the way to Entebbe International Airport. The project has also contributed to building national capacity by training the local communities but also encouraged local participation. That being said, the cargo terminal at KIA is almost complete at 95.2% with over 3.5 km worth of tarmaced runway costing $3.5b. Close by the same area will host Kabale Industrial Park that will employ more than 30.000 people together with those at the airport; imagine the impact of that on the economy, households, families, education and all sectors dear to the society.
Currently, three out of the four oil fields have been completed at the Kingfisher Development Area (KDA), operated by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) as one of the oil fields together with the Central Processing Facility (CPF). At full operational capacity, KDA is projected to produce over 40,000 barrels of oil per day.
Eng. Irene Batebe quote and quote said, “There are no excuses, no extensions. By December 2025, part of this project will be delivered, and by July 2026, everything will be completed and handed over to the Government of Uganda.”
Uganda’s first oil will flow in 2026, an essential turning point in the country’s economic transformation journey, according to the Ministry’s and the Head of Public Service’s reconfirmation. My article serves to remind Ugandans that I have seen the oil with my own two eyes and some process of oil production. Therefore, Uganda is looking forward to two victories in 2026.
The Writer works with Uganda Media Centre
