national 1 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
President Museveni to Reveal Uganda's Crude Oil Name Today
President Yoweri Museveni is set to officially name Uganda's crude oil today, a move intended to give the nation's petroleum resource a distinct identity on the global market. The unveiling will occur at the Kingfisher Oil Development Area in Kikuube District. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-to-unveil-official-name-for-uganda-s-crude-oil--5580486
Uganda is on the cusp of a significant moment as President Yoweri Museveni prepares to unveil the official name for the nation’s crude oil. This strategic naming is expected to provide a unique identity for Uganda’s petroleum resources, distinguishing them in the competitive international market.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Kingfisher Oil Development Area, located in the Kikuube District. This event signifies a crucial step in the commercialization of Uganda’s oil reserves, which are estimated at 6.5 billion barrels of oil initially in place, with a recoverable portion between 1.4 and 1.7 billion barrels.
Dr. Monica Musenero, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, emphasized the importance of this naming convention. “Internationally, every country has a name for its oil, and that’s what we are also going to do. It will be a great symbol for our oil resource,” she stated. She further elaborated that the aim is for Uganda’s oil to be recognized by its specific name rather than just being identified as ‘oil from Uganda,’ drawing a parallel to brand recognition.
Uganda’s crude oil is characterized as a waxy, medium-to-heavy, and sweet (low sulphur) resource. A notable characteristic is its high wax content and an average pour point of 40°C, requiring heated pipelines for transport. A 1,443 km heated pipeline is currently under construction, connecting Hoima in Uganda to Tanga in Tanzania for export.
This naming initiative is seen by officials, including Mr. Tony Otoa, head of public and corporate affairs at the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), as a move that will unlock numerous opportunities for the country’s burgeoning oil sector. UNOC, alongside partners Total Energies and CNOOC, is actively involved in developing these resources.
As Uganda prepares for its first oil production, which is anticipated soon, the official naming of its crude oil marks a symbolic transition from a discovered resource to a recognized commodity on the world stage.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)