news 18 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Poised for 60,000 Barrels of Oil Daily Amidst Refinery Advancements
Uganda is on track to produce 60,000 barrels of oil per day, bolstered by its high-quality crude and a growing regional market. Recent discussions also explore a larger, multi-country East African refinery project. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-on-course-to-produce-60-000-barrels-of-oil-per-day-5463602
Uganda’s ambition to produce 60,000 barrels of oil per day remains firmly on course, according to Eng Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. This projection is supported by the nation’s quality crude oil reserves and an expanding regional demand, making refinery plans commercially viable.
The country is actively engaging in discussions for both a national refinery project and broader regional energy cooperation. President Museveni recently met with Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote to express Uganda’s support for a proposed regional oil refinery.
This larger refinery, with a potential capacity of 650,000 barrels daily, aims to enhance energy security and foster industrialization across East Africa, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Museveni emphasized Uganda’s willingness to support and even invest in this regional endeavor, viewing it as a vital step towards economic integration and adding value to Africa’s resources before export.
The discussions build on previous engagements at the “Africa We Build” Summit 2026 in Nairobi. Mr. Dangote confirmed that his team is assessing potential refinery locations and continues to consult with regional governments, assuring that the project will generate significant employment opportunities.
Officials from Uganda’s energy sector have been invited to visit the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria for further technical discussions.