Over 110 oil wells drilled as Uganda gears first commercial production

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The Petroleum Authority of Uganda executive director, Ernest Rubondo, has hailed the impact of local firms in Uganda's oil industry, saying the firms have developed the capacity to take on high level engineering works.

He made the revelation after undertaking a three-day supervisory field visit to the Tilenga project activities yesterday.

"The operations are being undertaken with increasing efficiency," he said in a short message on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday, adding that over 110 oil wells have so far been drilled at Tilenga oil project.

Uganda is set to make the first commercial production of oil later this year.

Mr Ernest Rubondo, ED of PAU (centre with a cap) leading a team on a field visit. (Courtesy)

Ahead of the key deadline, Rubondo said the oil companies and contractors are employing Ugandans in critical and highly skilled positions, who are acquiring world class skills, experience and exposure to world class technologies on the projects.

"The projects are #CreatingLastingValue within the communities as seen at the Apiary (beekeeping) projects and demonstration farm at Kitawe Primary School in Pakwach sub-county," he said.

Mr Ernest Rubondo, ED of PAU (third left) leading a team on a field visit. (Courtesy)

Mr Ernest Rubondo, ED of PAU (third left) leading a team on a field visit to Tilenga projects. (Courtesy)

Rubondo said the farm provides the school with food and is also a learning ground for improved agricultural practices for the communities.

This contributes to pupil retention in school, increased crop yields,  and boosts household incomes of the farmers groups that get the training.

Why Tilenga

The name Tilenga is derived from the local names for kobs. In West Nile, it is called Til while in Bunyoro, it is called Engabi. The two were merged to create Tilenga.

The facility is operated by TotalEnergies E&P Uganda (56.67%) on behalf of the joint venture partners namely China National Offshore Oil Company (28.33%), and Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) with 15%.

According to Rubondo, Day 1 of the three-day visit started with sites North of the Nile.

The sites visited included drilling activities at JobiRii (JBR) 02 well-pad and civil works at JBR05, JBR09 & JBR10 well-pad, restoration works at the Nile crossing site, and community livelihood restoration projects in Pakwach sub-county.