Uganda’s Kingfisher Project Inches Toward First Oil

Plagued with delays, the Kingfisher project is finally nearing its first oil output. As at 23 August 2025, CNOOC reported the successful drilling of 15 wells, with 126 more to go before full-scale production. However, only two more wells are needed to kickstart production which is expected in 2026.

Explaining the progress, CNOOC Uganda geologist Dennis Mulondo stated that the project comprises of 31 wells on four pads. Twenty wells are producers while 11 are water injectors. The way the extraction works is that as water is pumped into the ground, it pushes the oil out of the extraction well. The sludge is then filtered to remove sand and water to leave crude oil.

The Kingfisher oilfield is located on the shore of Lake Albert which provides a convenient source for the water used for extraction. Environmentalists have warned against potential damage to the ecosystem and have called for appropriate mitigation measures.

President Museveni has expressed keen interest in implementing a refinery as soon as possible. However, export and refining infrastructure remain a challenge. The pipeline from Kingfisher to Kabale is now ready, but significant works remains on transnational pipeline to the Tanzanian coast. Both the Kingfisher and Tilenga oilfields are owned by a JV among TotalEnergies (56.67%), CNOOC (28.22%), and UNOC (15%).