Overview:
The programme emerged top after outperforming other sectors in the implementation of planned activities, signalling steady progress as the country moves closer to commercial oil production.
KAMPALA — Uganda’s Sustainable Development of Petroleum Resources Programme has been ranked the best-performing among 20 government programmes under the National Development Plan III (NDP III), according to the 2024/2025 National Annual Performance Report.
The programme emerged top after outperforming other sectors in the implementation of planned activities, signalling steady progress as the country moves closer to commercial oil production.
The award was presented by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who represented President Yoweri Museveni. In a citation read by Minister for General Duties Justine Lumumba, the recognition was attributed to the programme’s commitment to optimising petroleum resources for economic growth and national transformation.
“The results reflect progress in delivering on key NDP III result areas, as well as effective implementation of Sustainable Development Goals aligned to the mandates of various ministries, departments and agencies,” Lumumba said.
Receiving the award, Energy and Mineral Development minister Ruth Nankabirwa commended sector technocrats for their role in achieving the milestone.
“This shows the work being done to manage petroleum resources responsibly and ensure they contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation,” she said.
Mr Ernest Rubondo, executive director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, attributed the performance to sustained professionalism and adherence to industry standards.
Projects advance ahead of first oil
The recognition comes as Uganda intensifies efforts to deliver first oil, expected in the 2026/2027 financial year, a key pillar in the country’s ambition for tenfold economic growth alongside tourism, agro-processing, minerals, and science and technology.
Major upstream and midstream projects are progressing steadily:
Tilenga Project
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The Tilenga development has reached more than 67 per cent completion, with three drilling rigs operating simultaneously. Over 200 wells have already been drilled, surpassing the number required for first oil.
Kingfisher Project
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Progress at the Kingfisher field stands at 77 per cent. One drilling rig is active, with more wells drilled than initially planned for first production.
EACOP Pipeline
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The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is now 84 per cent complete. All pipes for both Uganda and Tanzania have been insulated and delivered, with hundreds of kilometres already welded. The project has secured access to all required land.
Exploration, jobs and local participation
Uganda continues petroleum exploration, with the Uganda National Oil Company leading activities in the Kasuruban contract area and a third licensing round planned.
Employment in the sector stood at 21,072 by March 2026, with Ugandans accounting for 86 per cent of the workforce. Of these, more than 6,600 workers come from local communities.
Officials say the skills acquired are transferable to other sectors, including infrastructure and energy projects such as the refinery, the Standard Gauge Railway, and renewable energy developments. The National Oil and Gas Talent Register is expected to further support skills mobility.
In terms of national content, contracts worth $7.6 billion have been approved at Tier 1 level, with about 30 per cent awarded to Ugandan companies. More than 2,600 firms are registered on the National Supplier Database, the majority of them local.
Outlook
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, which leads the programme, says it will focus on sustaining performance, strengthening governance, and ensuring petroleum resources generate long-term value.
With major infrastructure nearing completion and workforce capacity expanding, Uganda’s oil and gas sector is entering a decisive phase ahead of first production.