PETROLEUM RESOURCES PROGRAMME RANKED BEST PERFORMER UNDER NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN III

KAMPALA: The Sustainable Development of Petroleum Resources Programme has been ranked the best-performing programme among the 20 government programmes under the National Development Plan III (NDP III), according to the National Annual Performance Report for the 2024/2025 Financial Year. 

The programme emerged top following its outstanding performance in implementing planned activities, outperforming all other sectors across government.

During a citation read on Thursday 23rd April 2026, by Hon. Justine Lumumba, Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, prior to the presentation of the award by Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, who represented the President, the recognition was described as a reflection of the programme’s strong commitment to optimising petroleum resources for economic growth and national transformation.

“The results reflect the programme’s progress in delivering on key NDP III result areas, as well as the effective implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aligned to the mandates of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs),” Hon. Lumumba read.

Receiving the award on behalf of the sector, alongside senior sector heads and technocrats, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), applauded the technical teams for their unwavering commitment and professionalism.

“This milestone shows the hard work we are putting into managing our petroleum resources responsibly, adding real value, and ensuring they contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s social and economic transformation,” she said.

Mr. Ernest Rubondo, Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, attributed the achievement to the consistent effort and professionalism of the programme’s staff.

“We’re seeing the results of sustained hard work and commitment from the team. Their professionalism and alignment with industry standards have really stood out, and is adding value to the country” he noted.

The recognition comes at a critical time as Uganda advances its petroleum development agenda. The country has anchored its tenfold economic growth strategy on revenues expected from petroleum resources, alongside tourism, agro-processing, minerals, and science and technology. First oil production is anticipated during FY 2026/2027.

Key MDAs driving the Petroleum Resources Management Programme include the MEMD, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, Uganda National Oil Company, together with Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Water and Environment, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Local Government, Office of the Prime Minister, and Ministry of Education and Sports. Supporting agencies include National Environment Management Authority, Uganda Revenue Authority, Bank of Uganda, and the Office of the Auditor General.

The MEMD, as the lead ministry, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high performance standards, strengthening governance, and ensuring that petroleum resources generate lasting value for both current and future generations.

PROJECT UPDATES:

With first oil targeted for the financial year 2026/2027, the status of the key projects is as follows:

A) Tilenga: Overall progress is over 67%

• 3 drilling rigs operating co-currently

• 212 out of the 170 wells required for first oil have been drilled.

b) Kingfisher: Overall project progress is 77%.

• 1 drilling rig undertaking drilling operations

• 22 out of the 19 wells required for first oil have been drilled.

c) EACOP: Overall project progress is 84%.

• All the required pipes for the project both in Uganda and Tanzania have been insulated (over 1,565km).

• All the pipes required for both the Tanzania and Uganda section of the EACOP have been delivered to the right of way. The last batch was delivered to Uganda on 10th January 2026.

• Over 370km of pipes have been welded on Uganda’s right of way and over 1000km in Tanzania

• The project now has access to all the land required for the project.

d) Petroleum Exploration

• Uganda is continuing the efforts to look for more oil and gas resources through:

• The ongoing petroleum exploration efforts by UNOC which is the licensee for Kasuruban Contract Area up to 2027.

• Third licensing round planned to be announced by the Ministry.

Employment in the sector.

• The number of people employed in Uganda’s oil and gas sector at the end of March 2026 was twenty-one thousand seventy-two (21,072), of which eighteen thousand one hundred thirty-seven (18,137) are Ugandans, accounting for 86%. Out of the total workforce, six thousand six hundred thirty-one (6,631) employees were sourced from the local communities.

• Skills are transferable to other oil and gas, energy, mining, and construction projects in and out of the country (including other sectors).

• This includes projects like the Kabalega Industrial Park (and related facilities), the Uganda Refinery Projects, Standard Guage Railway, renewable energy projects etc.

• The National Oil and Gas Talent Register is a platform that will support transfer of skills across different projects and sectors.

National participation

• Cumulatively, the total value of contracts approved, Tier 1, stands at US$7.632 billion, of which approximately US$2.289 billion (30%) has been awarded to Ugandan companies.

• By the end of March 2026, there were two thousand six hundred twenty-six (2,626) companies registered on the NSD, representing forty-one (41) countries. Of these, two thousand two hundred fifty-seven (2,257) are Ugandan and three hundred sixty-nine (369) are foreign entities.