Uganda prepares for its first oil production with over 100 wells drilled

The Tilenga oil project, operated by TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU), is making good progress towards its first production, with more than 110 wells drilled to date, revealed Ernest Rubondo, Executive Director of the Uganda Petroleum Authority (PAU). At the end of a three-day field visit, Mr Rubondo hailed the "commendable" progress of this strategic project, which is expected to drill at least 150 wells before production starts.

During his inspection in the Northern Nile region, Rubondo oversaw activities at several sites, including the JobiRii (JBR) 02 drilling platform, civil works on the JBR05, JBR09 and JBR10 platforms, as well as ecological and community restoration efforts. "The benefits and positive impacts of Uganda's oil projects are clear," he said, underlining PAU's commitment to ensuring that operations meet national standards.

The Tilenga project, which involves a total of 420 wells, includes the construction of drilling platforms, processing and export facilities, as well as associated infrastructure such as the Ngwedo industrial zone (ZI) in the Buliisa district. This Industrial Zone will house the Central Processing Facility (CPF), support bases and a construction camp. The work, carried out by companies such as SINOPEC, is progressing well, with 85% of the assemblies completed in the workshop before being transferred to the platforms.

Mr Rubondo also highlighted the increased participation of Ugandan companies, made possible by the unbundling of public works and engineering contracts. "The level of engineering in the country is unprecedented, with a significant increase in local capacity", he noted. This dynamic enhances the efficiency of operations and supports national economic development.

According to the development plan, Tilenga is expected to produce 874 million barrels of oil over 25 years, which will be transported via a 100 km pipeline to Kabaale in Hoima and then to the 1,443 km East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) to the port of Tanga in Tanzania. Work on this feeder pipeline is progressing, with decoiling, welding and anti-corrosion testing operations under way. At their peak, Tilenga and the neighbouring Kingfisher project are expected to produce 200,000 barrels a day from estimated recoverable reserves of 1.4 billion barrels.

Key infrastructure such as export tanks and flowlines are under construction, while the Lake Albert water catchment site is progressing with the completion of the access road to the jetty. "All these activities are taking place simultaneously, and we are confident that production will be optimal and sustainable," said Mr Rubondo. With an overall progress rate of over 50%, Tilenga remains on track for its first production, marking a historic milestone for the Ugandan oil industry.