By: Zephania Ikiriza Atwooki
BULIISA – Uganda’s long-awaited journey toward producing its first barrel of oil is steadily turning into reality, with major progress recorded at the Tilenga Project in the Albertine Graben. Operated by TotalEnergies EP Uganda, the project stands as one of the country’s most significant industrial ventures, marking a new phase in Uganda’s economic transformation.
Together with the Kingfisher Project, operated by CNOOC Uganda Limited, Tilenga forms the backbone of Uganda’s upstream oil production. The partnership structure gives TotalEnergies a 56.67% stake, CNOOC 28.33%, and the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) 15%. Under the country’s Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs), Uganda is expected to retain between 65% and 80% of the total revenues from the upstream sector — among the most favorable terms in the global oil industry.
Drilling Progress and Efficiency Gains
According to Mr. Julius Balamaga, Senior Drilling Engineer at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), the Tilenga Project has so far drilled 149 of the planned 170 wells, putting the country on track to achieve first oil in the second half of 2026.
“Our efficiency has improved tremendously,” Mr. Balamaga noted. “We started by drilling each well in about 11 days, but now we complete one in under 9 days. That improvement translates into significant cost savings for both the government and the operators.”
With drilling costs averaging $140,000 per day, Uganda boasts one of the lowest operational expenses globally — nearly five times cheaper than comparable projects elsewhere. The costs include logistics, fuel, consumables, and other technical operations.
Notably, over 90% of the 150 personnel currently working on-site are Ugandans, reflecting the government’s commitment to maximizing national participation in the oil industry.
Building Ugandan Expertise
To prepare Ugandans for future leadership in the petroleum sector, TotalEnergies has invested heavily in human capital development. Ugandan engineers undergo advanced training at the company’s Drilling Academy in Pau, France, followed by practical field experience before assuming supervisory roles.
“We already have Ugandans serving as night drilling supervisors and completions engineers,” said Mr. Balamaga. “Even roles traditionally held by expatriates — such as company men and materials coordinators — are being progressively localized.”
PAU engineers also play an oversight role by simulating and reviewing well designs before granting operational approvals, ensuring adherence to safety and efficiency standards.
Innovation and Sustainability
The Tilenga drilling campaign is incorporating cutting-edge technologies to enhance sustainability. TotalEnergies is piloting battery-powered rigs to gradually replace diesel generators — a move expected to significantly cut both fuel costs and carbon emissions.
“If the pilot is successful, we’ll transition all rigs to battery systems,” said Balamaga. “This will save millions and support Uganda’s low-carbon development goals.”
Techniques like “casing while drilling” are also improving safety and reducing exposure to open wells, further shortening drilling timelines.
The Central Processing Facility (CPF)
At the heart of Tilenga’s operations is the Central Processing Facility (CPF) located in Buliisa. Here, the extracted fluid — a mix of oil, gas, and water — will be separated, treated, and prepared for export through the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
According to Mr. Joseph Baluku, Civil Engineer at PAU, the CPF houses multiple process trains that separate crude oil from water and gas. The treated oil will then be stored in massive tanks ahead of export.
“Gas from the CPF will power the site through gas turbines, ensuring continuous energy supply,” he explained. “Produced water is treated and re-injected into the wells to maintain reservoir pressure, and additional water is sourced from Lake Albert to support operations.”
Employment and Local Content
The Tilenga Project currently employs about 13,000 people, 91% of whom are Ugandans. Local companies have taken on a growing share of project-related work, including civil construction, logistics, and transportation.
“Approximately 29% of the $7.2 billion invested so far has been retained in Uganda through local goods, services, and labor,” said Ms. Gloria Sebikari, PAU’s Manager for Corporate Affairs and Public Relations.
While specialized technical work continues to be handled by international experts, Ugandan firms are increasingly engaging through joint ventures and technology transfer programs.
Over 800 Ugandans are currently undergoing training as technicians and operators under various initiatives — including Sinopak, Sunmaker, and the TotalEnergies MoC Program, with some trainees gaining international exposure in France and Malaysia.
Environmental Protection
Operating near the ecologically sensitive Murchison Falls National Park, environmental safeguards are a top priority. Ms. Brenda Amanda, Environment Coordinator at TotalEnergies EP Uganda, emphasized that the company maintains strict environmental standards.
“Noise levels at the rig fence are kept below 40 decibels — exceptional by global benchmarks,” she said. “We conduct daily monitoring of noise, emissions, and dust to ensure compliance with NEMA standards.”
All rigs are built with zero-discharge systems that capture and treat wastewater before disposal, preventing contamination of soil and water. The installations also feature non-reflective coloring and vegetation restoration to blend with the natural landscape.
Government Support and Outlook
While private partners are financing most of the capital investment, the Government of Uganda has supported the project through enabling infrastructure and policy development.
“Government’s contribution includes roads, bridges, and training centers that support oil operations,” said Ms. Sebikari. “Over 600 kilometers of new roads and two bridges have already been completed in the Albertine region.”
UNOC’s 15% equity stake in Tilenga is currently being carried by the joint venture partners, meaning the government will repay its share once oil revenues start flowing.
With 57% of the project completed, Uganda is confidently edging toward first oil in 2026. When combined with the Kingfisher Project, the refinery, and the 1,443-kilometer EACOP, the integrated oil development is expected to usher Uganda into a new era of economic growth — creating thousands of jobs and generating billions in revenue.
“All our efforts are focused on achieving first oil in the second half of 2026,” Ms. Sebikari affirmed. “This is not just an oil project — it’s the foundation of Uganda’s industrial future.”
