Uganda to start commercial oil production in June 2027 — UNOC
Uganda is on track to begin commercial oil production by June 2027, with crude exports expected to follow through the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which is now 92% complete, Uganda National Oil Company Head of Compliance Kristina Kasebayo has said. She also revealed that a final investment decision on the domestic refinery is expected in February 2027, with completion targeted for 2030.
The Head of Compliance at the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), Kristina Kasebayo. (Courtesy)
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The Head of Compliance at the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), Kristina Kasebayo, has said Uganda is on track to begin commercial oil production by June 2027, with first exports to follow through the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
Speaking during the African Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday (October 16), Kasebayo said plans to reach a final investment decision (FID) on its domestic refinery will be in February 2027, targeting completion by 2030. This contained a statement by the Africa Chamber of Mines in South Africa.
"First oil will start before the end of our financial year in June 2027, which will position us as an oil-producing country," Kasebayo said, adding that EACOP is currently 92% complete.
“Uganda has established substantial upstream resources; the development of export infrastructure and supporting regulatory frameworks has been critical to bringing those resources to the market,” she said.
Kasebayo said EACOP will transport Ugandan crude to the Tanzanian port of Tanga, providing access to international buyers.
"The challenge was never getting the oil out of the ground, but having the infrastructure and regulation in place," Kasebayo explained, noting that the requisite agreements are now in place.
Alongside its export ambitions, Uganda is advancing plans for a domestic refinery aimed at strengthening national energy security and supporting local fuel supply.
"We intend to take FID for the domestic refinery in February 2027 and expect the refinery to be complete by 2030," Kasebayo said.
Uganda is also preparing to market its crude internationally under the name Pearl Sweet that was recently launched by President Yoweri Museveni, drawing on the country's identity as the Pearl of Africa.
According to Kasebayo, the crude grade has already gained international recognition, positioning Uganda to engage global buyers as export infrastructure nears completion.
The Government is currently building a Kampala Storage Terminal in Mpigi District, expected to be completed in March next year at a cost of up to $310m (about sh1.1 trillion).