energy 26 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's Oil Sector Hits 99% Readiness After CNOOC Emergency Drills
Uganda's oil production readiness has reached 99% following emergency drills by CNOOC at the Kingfisher Development Area, paving the way for first oil in July. The exercises tested critical safety systems and trained local staff ahead of commercial production. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/emergency-oil-drills-conducted-as-readiness-hits-99--5436928
Uganda is on the verge of becoming an oil-producing nation, with overall sector readiness now at 99% after a major emergency drill at the Kingfisher Development Area (KFDA) led by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).
The government targets July for the first commercial oil output, a milestone years in the making. At peak, KFDA could yield up to 40,000 barrels per day.
The project has shifted to pre-commissioning, rigorously testing equipment. ‘This emergency well control drill prepares us for incidents and verifies equipment readiness,’ stated Andrew Mbigiti, CNOOC Uganda’s Senior Media Supervisor.
Drills focused on Ugandan staff training using advanced gear, like firefighting tools reaching 140 meters and systems for hot cutting at 4,000°C or cold cutting with high-pressure water and sand. These enable swift wellhead replacements during blowouts.
Currently, 18 of 31 planned wells are drilled, plus four existing ones, enough for initial production. The central processing facility exceeds 99% completion.
Experts stress emergency readiness as vital. ‘True readiness means preventing, detecting, and responding to issues across the chain, including Tilenga and EACOP,’ said Adolf Karubanga, a senior petroleum officer.
The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) is refining oil spill plans. ‘Drills expose weaknesses for timely fixes, ensuring safety and confidence,’ noted Jane Byaruhanga of PAU.
Ownership includes UNOC at 15%, CNOOC Uganda at 28.33%, and TotalEnergies EP Uganda at 56.67%.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)