Uganda’s Tilenga, Kingfisher Projects Near 80% Completion as First Oil Approaches
Uganda’s two major oil developments are nearing completion, with the Tilenga Project reaching 74% progress and the Kingfisher Project 79% complete as the country moves closer to its first commercial oil production.
According to progress updates as of June 30, 2026, Tilenga has drilled 234 wells, exceeding the 170 wells required to begin production.
Kingfisher has also advanced significantly, with its central processing facility and feeder pipeline nearing completion.
Operated by TotalEnergies EP Uganda, Tilenga covers six oil fields and involves the development of hundreds of wells.
The project is designed to produce up to 190,000 barrels of oil per day at peak production.
The Kingfisher development, operated by CNOOC Uganda, forms the second major component of Uganda’s oil production strategy.
Both projects are being developed alongside the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which will transport Uganda’s crude to the Tanzanian port of Tanga for export to international markets.
The projects are expected to transform Uganda’s energy sector and generate significant economic activity through investment, employment and local procurement.
The developments have already created substantial economic opportunities. TotalEnergies reported that the construction phase of Tilenga and EACOP had generated 29,525 direct jobs by March 2026, while about US$1.9 billion had been spent locally in Uganda and Tanzania.
The progress also brings Uganda closer to its long-awaited entry into commercial oil production.
With Tilenga and Kingfisher advancing towards completion, attention is increasingly shifting to commissioning, final infrastructure works and preparations for production.
The projects represent a major milestone for Uganda’s ambition to develop its petroleum resources and establish the country as a significant oil producer in East Africa.Activate
