The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has appointed global energy trader Vitol to market the government of Uganda and UNOC’s allocation of the country’s newly named crude oil, Pearl Sweet, as Uganda prepares to enter the international oil market in early 2027.
The announcement marks a major commercial milestone in Uganda’s journey towards first oil and comes as the country completes infrastructure required to transport crude from the Albertine region to international buyers.
Vitol will provide international trading, marketing and logistics expertise to market Pearl Sweet, which will be produced from the Tilenga and Kingfisher Development Areas.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni named Uganda’s crude oil Pearl Sweet on September 2, 2026. The crude is classified as medium to heavy and sweet, with a high conversion yield profile.
The Tilenga and Kingfisher projects are expected to produce a combined peak output of up to 230,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
Once production begins, Uganda’s export crude will be transported through the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) to the Port of Tanga in Tanzania, where the pipeline and associated export terminal are nearing completion.
Energy and Mineral Development Minister Monica Musenero said Vitol’s appointment demonstrates Uganda’s transition from developing its oil resources to preparing for commercial delivery.
“Vitol’s appointment is another sign that Uganda is moving from development to delivery. As we complete the production and export infrastructure, we are now putting in place the commercial capability to take Pearl Sweet to the world,” Musenero said.
She said Vitol’s international reach, trading expertise and logistics capabilities would help Uganda identify suitable refiners and maximise the value of its crude when exports begin.
The appointment also comes after UNOC, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and Vitol signed a memorandum of understanding on August 6, 2026 to develop a regional energy hub at the Port of Tanga.
The proposed hub is strategically positioned to serve markets in Asia and the Middle East while providing an additional logistics corridor for landlocked Uganda and neighbouring countries.
The marketing agreement further strengthens the broader relationship between UNOC and Vitol, which has already been involved in Uganda’s petroleum products supply programme.
The two companies have also signed a $2 billion financing facility to support the development of energy infrastructure.
Kieran Gallagher, Vitol’s Head of Asia, said the company was pleased to partner with Uganda as the country prepares to bring its crude oil to the international market.
“It is an honour to partner with Uganda to bring its new crude oil, Pearl Sweet, to market. Pearl Sweet is well suited to many Asian refineries, and we anticipate a great deal of interest,” Gallagher said.
He said Vitol would deploy its trading and logistics expertise as Uganda expands its energy sector.
Uganda is developing its oil industry as part of efforts to increase government revenues, support industrialisation and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
The country expects the commercial production and export of crude oil to open a new chapter in its energy sector, with the government also pursuing investments in refining, storage and other petroleum-related infrastructure.
