A high-level Government delegation led by Vice President , Maj. (Rtd.) Jessica Alupo, and the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, has visited the Kingfisher Development Area in Kikuube District to assess progress towards Uganda’s first oil.
The delegation, which included Cabinet Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and other senior government officials, toured key project facilities including the Escarpment Viewpoint, Well Pad 2 and the Central Processing Facility (CPF), where they received updates on the project’s progress and preparations for production.
Speaking during the visit, Liu Xiangdong, President of CNOOC Uganda Limited, said the Kingfisher Project had entered its final phase of development and operational readiness.
Construction of the Central Processing Facility is now 99 percent complete, while commissioning preparations have reached 74 percent. Of the planned 31 wells, 22 are already ready for production as the project advances towards safe and efficient start-up.
Liu expressed appreciation to the government of Uganda, joint venture partners, contractors, host communities and other stakeholders for their continued support, noting that the combined Kingfisher, Tilenga and East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) projects have attracted investments exceeding USD 12 billion, making them among the largest industrial investments in Uganda’s history.
Addressing the gathering, Vice President Jessica Alupo commended CNOOC Uganda Limited and its partners for the progress achieved, acknowledging the long journey undertaken to bring the project to its current stage.
She praised the commitment and resilience demonstrated by all stakeholders and reiterated Government’s commitment to maintaining a stable investment environment and providing the necessary infrastructure to support the successful development of Uganda’s petroleum resources.
The Vice President said government remains committed to achieving first oil and strengthening Uganda’s long-term energy security, noting that the petroleum sector will play a significant role in the country’s industrialisation and socio-economic transformation.
The delegation also received updates on national content and community development initiatives undertaken by CNOOC Uganda Limited. Thousands of Ugandans have participated in project activities, while investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, skills development and access to clean water continue to create opportunities for host communities.
CNOOC Uganda Limited reaffirmed its commitment to delivering first oil safely, efficiently and responsibly while creating long-term value for Uganda and contributing to the country’s vision of delivering “Energy for a Better Future.”
