Uganda Maintains Mid-2026 First Oil Target Despite Auditor General Concerns

The Petroleum Authority of Uganda has reaffirmed that the country remains on course to achieve its long-awaited first oil by mid-2026, pushing back against concerns raised in a recent report by the Office of the Auditor General Uganda.

Uganda’s journey to oil production has seen several timeline revisions over the years, with the latest projection set for mid-2026. With only months to go, scrutiny has intensified over whether the milestone will finally be achieved.

According to the Auditor General’s 2025 report, several key projects had fallen behind schedule. By June last year, the Tilenga Project was at 57 percent completion against a projected 73 percent, while the Kingfisher Project stood at 69 percent, also below expectations. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) was recorded at 62 percent completion, short of the planned 72 percent.

However, PAU spokesperson Gloria Ssebikari said progress has since accelerated, with contractors working around the clock to meet deadlines.

She noted that a significant number of oil wells under both Tilenga and Kingfisher projects have already been drilled, reducing the risk of further delays.

Project officials have also reported improved progress on the pipeline. EACOP Deputy Managing Director John Bosco Habumugisha said construction has now reached 83 percent, expressing confidence that the project will be completed on schedule.

Appearing before Parliament’s Natural Resources Committee, Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa acknowledged the concerns but maintained that implementation remains steady.

She emphasized the importance of timely funding in the upcoming national budget to sustain momentum.

Meanwhile, the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) says recent field assessments indicate satisfactory progress across project sites. CEO Proscovia Nabbanja noted that stakeholders are now focusing on final stages ahead of production.

With the mid-2026 deadline fast approaching, Uganda’s oil sector faces a critical test as it seeks to deliver on a project that has been years in the making.