The Ugandan government has unveiled its intention to launch a third round of petroleum exploration licensing in the 2025/2026 financial year, covering the period from July to June. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mining Development, announced this strategic initiative, which aims to open up new opportunities in the country's oil and gas industry.
Ce troisième cycle permettra d’accéder à des zones supplémentaires pour l’exploration, bien que les détails précis sur les régions concernées – qu’il s’agisse du Graben Albertin ou des bassins nord et nord-est – n’aient pas encore été communiqués. Cette initiative s’inscrit dans un contexte d’espoir pour l’Ouganda, qui prévoit de démarrer la production de pétrole brut dès cette année, près de deux décennies après la découverte de réserves dans le fossé Albertin.
At the same time, the government has selected a successful bidder for the redevelopment of the Kilembe copper mine, located near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Final negotiations are underway, and an official announcement is expected shortly. With around 4 million tonnes of ore containing 1.98% copper and 0.17% cobalt, the mine represents a major potential boost to the country's mining industry. Dormant since the 1970s due to low prices and political instability, the site should benefit from this reactivation to contribute to the national economy.
With estimated reserves of 6.5 billion barrels of oil, of which 1.4 billion barrels are economically exploitable, Uganda is betting on rapid expansion of its oil and gas industry. The main development sites include the Kingfisher and Tilenga basins in the Lake Albert region. Development drilling, which began in mid-2023, is progressing apace. By August 2024, the Tilenga project had completed 63 of the planned 426 wells, while nine production wells had been drilled on the Kingfisher project.
These initiatives demonstrate Uganda's determination to maximise its natural resources to stimulate economic growth. The granting of new licences and the revitalisation of the Kilembe mine are part of a broader strategy aimed at attracting foreign investment and strengthening the country's energy and industrial autonomy.
With key projects underway and structural reforms underway, Uganda is establishing itself as an emerging player in the oil, gas and mining sectors, while laying the foundations for sustainable economic prosperity.