UNOC CEO Proscovia Nabbanja to pitch Uganda’s oil prospects at African Energy Week

KAMPALA, Uganda— Proscovia Nabbanja, CEO of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), is set to represent Uganda’s burgeoning oil industry at the African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Nabbanja will highlight strategic investment prospects, particularly in the Lake Albert Development Project and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

Nabbanja’s participation underscores Uganda’s commitment to becoming a key oil producer in East Africa. Under her leadership, UNOC is central to unlocking the potential of the Lake Albert project, Uganda’s flagship upstream venture, which remains on track for first oil by the end of 2025. With ongoing upstream activities led by TotalEnergies and CNOOC, Uganda is steadily progressing toward becoming a net oil producer, boasting an estimated 1.4 billion barrels of recoverable reserves.

The EACOP, a 1,443-kilometer heated pipeline, is crucial to these ambitions. It will transport Ugandan crude from Hoima to Tanzania’s Port of Tanga, and once completed, it will be the longest of its kind globally. Despite recent financing delays, the EACOP remains a cornerstone for regional integration and private sector participation in East Africa’s energy future.

Uganda’s oil sector’s significance extends beyond national development, promising downstream growth, job creation, and revenue generation. UNOC is also focused on building domestic refining and storage capacity to reinforce energy security and create broader economic benefits. This offers diverse opportunities for investors in crude oil production, logistics, infrastructure, services, and skills development.

“Uganda is making bold moves to monetize its resources and become a key oil producer in East Africa,” said Oré Onagbesan, Program Director for AEW. “In partnership with major operators, UNOC is driving projects like Lake Albert and EACOP forward with clarity of vision and a strong national agenda. We are proud to welcome Proscovia Nabbanja to AEW 2025, where she will showcase how Uganda is open for business and ready to partner with global investors.”

At AEW 2025, Nabbanja is expected to detail investment opportunities across Uganda’s oil and gas value chain, including upstream field development, pipeline construction, and local content initiatives. With UNOC actively seeking strategic and financial partners, her insights will be vital for investors looking to tap into one of Africa’s most promising frontier markets.