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The Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Mr Ernest Rubondo, has reassured Ugandans that the country remains on course to achieve its first oil production by July 2026.
He said all key players in the oil and gas sector are working toward meeting the target, with critical activities expected to be completed earlier in the year.
He made the remarks on Tuesday during a supervisory visit to the Tilenga Oil Project in Buliisa District. Mr Rubondo revealed that development of the Tilenga Project infrastructure, including oil fields, roads, and pipelines currently stands at 65 percent.
Meanwhile, construction of the Central Processing Facility (CPF) is at 47 percent. He noted that contractors have introduced night shifts to accelerate progress, adding that the pace of work is expected to increase further.
Mr Rubondo also said 175 of the 420 oil wells required for the first oil at Tilenga have already been drilled.
The executive director explained that the project has reached a stage where advanced technology and specialised skills are critical, requiring additional expatriate expertise. Therefore, the Authority is in discussions with oil companies on the matter, clarifying that the engagement of expatriates is not new.
“Before oil companies can bring in an expatriate worker, they advertise locally to determine if there is any Ugandan capable of doing the job. If they find one, they take them on either as workers or as trainees,” he explained.
PAU also evaluates how the companies advertised, how they assessed candidates, and the extent of the work required. In instances where expatriates are got for a particular job, the companies must seek PAU support to obtain their work permits.
On the planned oil refinery, Mr Rubondo said the government has already secured an investor to develop the facility.
The Kingfisher Oil Development Area, operated by China National Offshore Oil Corporation Uganda Limited, is also at an advanced stage of development.
As of early 2026, overall project progress was reported to be between 75 percent and 90 percent. The Kingfisher project includes construction of a CPF on the shores of Lake Albert in Kikuube District, designed to produce 40,000 barrels of oil per day.
