Uganda Begins Oil Production,Poised to become East Africa's Largest Producer

KIKUUBE, Uganda — Uganda has officially begun commercial oil production, marking a major milestone in the country’s long-awaited efforts to turn its petroleum reserves into an engine of economic growth.

President Yoweri Museveni said the country intends to capture more value from its oil resources by developing refining and petrochemical industries, while also using associated gas to generate electricity.

“Through refining, petrochemical industries and the use of associated gas for electricity generation, we shall maximize the value of our resources here at home and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products,” Museveni revealed.

President Museveni has since named the crude oil 'Pearl Sweet'.

Uganda expects oil production to eventually reach about 230,000 barrels per day, with crude from separate projects operated by China’s CNOOC and France’s TotalEnergies expected to contribute to overall output.

The launch took place in Kikuube District, Western Uganda, where CNOOC is developing the Kingfisher oil project. The milestone comes nearly two decades after commercially viable oil deposits were discovered around the Lake Albert region.

Uganda’s oil ambitions, however, have been accompanied by legal disputes, environmental concerns and international criticism.

TotalEnergies, however, has maintained that EACOP incorporates advanced engineering and safety systems designed to protect the environment and ensure the pipeline can operate safely for decades.

Ugandan officials have meanwhile pushed back strongly against international opposition, accusing some climate campaigns of crossing the line into interference in the affairs of a sovereign country.

The government argues that Uganda, like other resource-rich nations, has the right to exploit its natural resources to finance development.

Officials say revenues from oil could help create jobs, expand infrastructure, improve public services and lift millions of Ugandans out of poverty.

Additional reporting from various African online publications