The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has reassured Ugandans that first oil production remains on schedule for July 2026, addressing concerns over compensation for communities affected by pipeline and exploration projects.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee on March 12, 2026, Peninah Aheebwa, the Director of Economic and National Content Monitoring said the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has reached 81 percent completion.
To meet the July deadline, Tilenga’s field operations have expanded to three eight-hour shifts daily, accelerating drilling and construction.
Aheebwa highlighted that Tilenga has drilled 198 wells, exceeding the initial target of 170 wells, while Kingfisher has completed 21 of the planned 19 wells.
She also confirmed that approximately US$12.3 billion has been invested in Uganda’s oil sector to date.
The PAU emphasized that all oil projects strictly adhere to environmental, social, and safety standards, ensuring compliance, transparency, and community safeguards.
With these developments, Uganda is poised to achieve first oil production by July 2026, marking a critical milestone in the country’s emerging energy sector and signaling its readiness to enter the global oil market.
