The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has confirmed ongoing plans with oil companies to bring in more foreign experts, as the country enters critical stages of oil production ahead of the first oil target in July 2026.
PAU Executive Director Ernest Rubondo said companies are working day and night to meet the agreed timelines, with most construction and infrastructure works expected to be completed by April, ahead of testing.
Speaking during a two-day tour of the Tilenga oil project in Buliisa—the country’s largest oil field with 420 wells, of which 175 have been drilled—Rubondo emphasized the need for high-tech expertise that may not be readily available locally.
“There has always been a plan where contractors bring in experts. Policy allows them to advertise vacancies locally, but where they cannot attract Ugandan specialists, foreigners are brought in. Now we are at a critical stage that requires advanced engineering, and we are discussing this with the companies,” he said.
Rubondo reassured the public that Uganda remains on track for first oil, reporting progress across major projects: Tilenga at 65% completion, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) at 78%, Kingfisher in Kikuube at 90%, and the pump stations progressing on schedule.
“We want to assure Ugandans that we shall have first oil by July. Staff are working day and night to catch up with time,” he stated.
On refinery development, Rubondo confirmed that an investor has already been identified for the Kabale-Hoima oil refinery, a key component of Uganda’s oil infrastructure.
“When the Ministry of Finance provides funding, that’s ideal, but when there is no government financing, we settle for private investors. Currently, we are finalizing arrangements with an investor,” he said.
