Emergency oil drills conducted as readiness hits 99%

Uganda is edging closer to its first commercial oil production, with sector readiness now at 99 per cent following a high-stakes emergency drill conducted by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).

The government has set July as the target for first oil, marking the country’s long-awaited entry into the league of oil-producing nations.

The Kingfisher Development Area (KFDA), operated by CNOOC, is expected to produce up to 40,000 barrels of crude oil per day at peak output.

CNOOC officials say the project has now entered the critical pre-commissioning phase, where installed systems and equipment are being tested to confirm operational readiness ahead of production.

“We are here for an emergency well control drill. The purpose is to prepare for any potential incident and to test whether our equipment is fit for purpose,” said Mr Andrew Mbigiti, Senior Media and Publicity Supervisor at CNOOC Uganda Limited.

He added that the drills are also equipping Ugandan personnel with practical skills to handle emergencies, noting that specialised firefighting equipment capable of reaching heights of up to 140 metres has been deployed to enhance safety.

The exercise involved testing a range of advanced systems, including fire pumps, cooling and protection mechanisms, and high-temperature cutting tools designed to respond to extreme scenarios such as well blowouts. Engineers demonstrated both hot cutting, operating at temperatures of up to 4,000 degrees Celsius, and cold cutting using high-pressure water and sand to safely remove damaged equipment.

“These methods allow us to replace an entire wellhead quickly in the event of a failure, ensuring control is restored without delay,” Mr Mbigiti said.

So far, 18 wells have been drilled out of the planned 31, in addition to four pre-existing wells, which officials say are sufficient to support initial production targets. Work is ongoing to complete the wells and prepare them for production or injection.

Sector experts say emergency preparedness is a key benchmark of readiness as Uganda transitions from development to production.

“A project is not ready merely because infrastructure is in place. It is ready when operators can prevent incidents, detect abnormalities early, and respond effectively,” said Mr Adolf Karubanga, a senior petroleum officer.

He emphasised the need for coordination across the entire oil value chain, including the Tilenga Project and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), warning that disruptions in one segment could affect overall production and export systems.

Progress at Kingfisher is in its final stages, with the central processing facility reported to be over 99 percent complete.

Meanwhile, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) says it is updating oil spill contingency plans to align with the shift into production.

“Drills are essential for identifying weaknesses and strengthening response systems. If they go well, it confirms readiness; if not, they help us fix gaps in time,” said Ms Jane Byaruhanga of PAU.

She noted that while robust safeguards have been put in place, continuous testing remains critical to ensure operational safety, environmental protection, and public confidence as the country approaches first oil.

Background

Under the current ownership structure, the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) holds a 15 per cent participating interest in the Kingfisher project. CNOOC Uganda Limited operates the field with a 28.33 per cent stake, while TotalEnergies EP Uganda holds the majority share of 56.67 per cent.