HOIMA — Uganda remains firmly on track to achieve First Oil later this year, according to project developers and government officials who briefed newly appointed Cabinet ministers during an induction tour of the country’s key oil and gas infrastructure projects.
Led by Vice President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, the Cabinet delegation visited several strategic projects in the Albertine region, including Hoima City Stadium, the Kingfisher Oil Development Area, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Pump Station and Kabalega International Airport.
The tour formed part of the Cabinet retreat and provided ministers with firsthand insight into the progress of Uganda’s flagship energy and infrastructure investments, which are expected to transform the country’s economy and accelerate regional development.
During the engagements, project developers and industry licensees reported significant progress across the Kingfisher Development Project and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, noting that construction activities have advanced substantially and that commissioning works are increasingly becoming the focus as facilities move toward operational readiness.
Officials said the updates demonstrated sustained momentum toward Uganda’s long-awaited entry into commercial oil production, with major infrastructure required to support the sector now nearing completion.
The projects are also expected to play a critical role in Uganda’s preparations for co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Hoima City Stadium among the key sporting facilities being developed for the continental tournament.
According to project briefings, Hoima City Stadium is nearing completion and is expected to be ready to host international matches, while the Kingfisher oil field is progressing toward its target production capacity of approximately 40,000 barrels of oil per day.
Developers further reported that the East African Crude Oil Pipeline is between 79 and 84 percent complete, while Phase One of Kabalega International Airport is approaching completion, positioning the facility to support both the oil and gas industry and broader economic activity in the region.
In her remarks, VP H.E. Jessica Alupo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of Uganda’s oil and gas projects by ensuring a conducive environment for both construction and future production activities.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja praised the progress registered across the projects and credited President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s leadership for attracting the investments.
“I thank Her Excellency Vice President Jessica Alupo for leading us on a tour of Hoima City Stadium, the Kingfisher Oil Development Area, and Kabalega International Airport in Hoima and Kikuube districts yesterday as we draw closer to the end of the Cabinet Retreat in Kyankwanzi,” Nabbanja said.
“In a special way, I appreciate H.E. President Museveni, whose leadership has facilitated these significant investments. I am impressed that these projects are having a substantial impact on our economy and will continue to do so for many years to come.”
The Prime Minister urged Ugandans to position themselves to benefit from the opportunities emerging from the projects. “I urge all Ugandans to take advantage of the opportunities created by these projects to generate wealth and drive socioeconomic transformation,” she added.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline company also welcomed the visit, saying it enabled ministers to appreciate the project’s contribution to Uganda’s oil and gas ambitions.
In a statement, EACOP said the delegation was led by Vice President Alupo and included Prime Minister Nabbanja, providing Cabinet members with a firsthand understanding of the pipeline’s progress and strategic importance.
Officials noted that beyond oil production, the projects are already generating employment opportunities, stimulating local business participation and contributing to infrastructure development across the Albertine region.
The briefings also emphasised the industry’s continued focus on safety, quality assurance and timely project delivery as Uganda moves closer to achieving one of its most significant economic milestones.
With major components of the oil value chain now approaching completion, government and industry leaders expressed confidence that Uganda remains on course to realise First Oil and unlock the economic benefits expected from its petroleum resources.
The developments are projected to boost government revenues, accelerate industrialisation, strengthen regional trade and position Uganda as an emerging energy producer in East Africa.