Uganda Pushes Back First Commercial Oil Production to June 2027

Uganda's first commercial oil production has been delayed again, with a new target set for June 2027. The government initially anticipated production around 2018 but missed that target and subsequently moved it to 2020 before later projections centered on 2025.

The latest indication was given when Finance Minister Henry Musasizi and officials from the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), National Planning Authority (NPA) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) appeared before Parliament's Finance Committee.

Acting PAU Executive Director Michael Ochan said 1,414 kilometers of the 1,443-kilometer East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) had been completed and buried, with most associated facilities nearing completion. The outstanding works were expected to be completed by early December, allowing the pipeline to receive crude by mid-December 2026.

MP Patrick Oshabe Nsamba demanded greater precision from government, arguing that Ugandans should be told the actual month when oil production will begin rather than being given broad financial-year deadlines.