Tilenga project on Track as ED PAU Rubondo Concludes Oversight Visit

Buliisa, Uganda — Work in the Tilenga project is on track which drilling operations surpassing First Oil requirements, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has confirmed, following the conclusion of a two-day supervisory field visit by the Executive Director, Mr. Ernest Rubondo. 

The oversight working visit, which covered project components both north and south of the River Nile, provided a comprehensive update on progress across Uganda’s flagship upstream development operated by TotalEnergies EP Uganda.

Drilling Milestones Surpassed

During inspections at the Jobi‑Rii 4, 5, and 10 well pads, Mr. Rubondo was informed that 187 wells have been drilled to date—well above the 170 wells required for First Oil. In total, 420 wells will be drilled across 29 well pads under the Tilenga Project, which is expected to produce 190,000 barrels of oil per day at peak production. This achievement places the Tilenga Project ahead of schedule on its drilling targets.

Mr. Rubondo also assessed restoration works at the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) crossing point, where flowlines will run beneath the Nile to deliver crude to the Central Processing Facility (CPF) in Buliisa. Restoration progress at the crossing site reflects continued advancement of the project’s critical underground and flowline components carried out with careful consideration for and commitment to environmental protection.

Construction Advances at Industrial Area Installations

On the second day of the tour, attention shifted to the Tilenga Industrial Area, where significant infrastructure is taking shape. At the Central Processing Facility, key structures—including crude oil storage tanks, cleaning or inspection tools (PIG) launchers, water treatment systems and the central control building—have already been installed, marking major steps toward full operational readiness.

Mr. Rubondo also inspected the Drilling Support Base, construction camps, the 4,000-man camp, the Water Abstraction Point, and the Kasamene 2 well pad, all of which are essential for project execution and future operations.

TotalEnergies EP Uganda confirmed that Tilenga project was over 63% overall progress, with steady advancement across civil works, mechanical installations, drilling operations, in-lines, flow lines and pipeline preparations.

Commitment to First Oil Remains Firm

Addressing the media at the end of the visit, Mr. Rubondo commended the pace of work and reaffirmed the sector’s alignment toward achieving First Oil by July 2026.

“All key players are working to ensure that First Oil is achieved as planned,” he said.

Progress Across Related Projects

Uganda’s other major petroleum developments are also advancing:

Kingfisher Project (CNOOC Uganda Ltd)

• Overall progress: 76% completion

• 21 wells drilled (19 required for First Oil)

• 31 wells planned across 4 well pads

East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)

• 80% overall progress

• All 296 km of line pipe for Uganda delivered by the 20th of January 2026 and over 200 km of pipeline welded on the Uganda section.

The successful oversight tour underscores the strong momentum driving Uganda’s oil and gas sector. With drilling ahead of targets and construction progressing across critical facilities, the country remains firmly on track to commence oil production within the planned timeframe.