energy 27 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's First Oil Readiness Reaches 99% Ahead of July Target
CNOOC Uganda has achieved 99% operational readiness for first oil production at the Kingfisher Development Area, with 18 new wells drilled and emergency drills successfully testing critical equipment. The government targets July 2026 for initial output, supported by comprehensive pre-commissioning activities to ensure safety and efficiency. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-s-first-oil-readiness-hits-99--5437678
Uganda is on the verge of joining the ranks of oil-producing nations, with readiness for first oil now at 99 percent. CNOOC Uganda, operator of the Kingfisher Development Area (KFDA), conducted a critical emergency well control drill to verify equipment and staff preparedness just two months before the July 2026 target.
The government has set July as the launch date for production, where KFDA is expected to hit peak output of 40,000 barrels per day. So far, 18 out of 31 planned wells have been drilled, including four pre-existing ones, fully supporting initial production goals. The company is now in the pre-commissioning phase, testing installed systems for reliability.
During the drill, supervised by Andrew Mbigiti, CNOOC’s senior media supervisor, teams tested advanced firefighting gear reaching 140 meters, hot and cold cutting tools for wellhead replacement, and other systems for blowout scenarios. These exercises train local operators and confirm equipment functionality under extreme conditions like 4,000-degree Celsius operations.
Mbigiti stressed the need for sector-wide coordination across Kingfisher, Tilenga, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, as any incident could impact the entire chain. The central processing facility stands over 99 percent complete, with well completions underway.
Petroleum Authority of Uganda’s Jane Byaruhanga highlighted ongoing updates to oil spill contingency plans, noting drills expose and resolve weaknesses. Senior officer Adolf Karubanga added that true readiness means effective incident prevention and response to safeguard lives and the environment.
Ownership includes UNOC at 15 percent, CNOOC at 28.33 percent, and TotalEnergies EP Uganda at 56.67 percent.