Uganda Nears First Oil as Energy Minister Joins AEW 2026

Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Dr. Minoca Musenero Masanza will participate as a speaker at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town from October 12–16, as the country advances major oil, transmission and renewable energy projects. Her participation comes as Uganda moves closer to commercial oil production while implementing reforms and infrastructure investments aimed at expanding energy access, strengthening domestic supply and attracting international capital.

Minister Masanza’s participation comes as Uganda approaches first commercial oil exports, expands private investment in electricity transmission and diversifies its power generation mix. The country is moving into a new phase of energy development as large-scale hydrocarbon production is accompanied by efforts to strengthen grid infrastructure, develop downstream capacity and expand alternative sources of electricity to support long-term economic growth.

Uganda’s oil sector is approaching a major production milestone, with 228 wells drilled as of August 2026 across the Tilenga and Kingfisher developments. TotalEnergies’ Tilenga project has completed 198 wells, while CNOOC’s Kingfisher project has completed all 21 wells required for initial production, bringing both developments closer to commercial operations and positioning Uganda for a major increase in domestic crude production.

The Ministry of Energy has targeted the start of crude flows into the pipeline system by mid-December 2026, with first commercial oil exports expected before the end of June 2027. National production is projected to reach between 230,000 and 260,000 barrels per day at peak output, creating opportunities across oilfield services, logistics, infrastructure and associated industrial activities while establishing Uganda as a significant new crude producer in East Africa.

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is also entering its final construction phase. The 1,443-km heated pipeline will connect Uganda’s oilfields in Hoima with the port of Tanga in Tanzania, providing the export route for the country’s crude production while work advances on associated petroleum storage and transport infrastructure at Chongoleani.

Uganda is simultaneously developing downstream capacity through a planned $4 billion, 60,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Hoima. Basic engineering is underway, with the project’s final investment decision expected in February 2027 and commercial operations targeted between the fourth quarter of 2029 and first quarter of 2030, supporting Uganda’s plans to retain more value from its emerging petroleum industry.

Beyond hydrocarbons, Uganda is opening a new frontier in electricity transmission. The country broke ground in July on the $50 million Amari Power Transmission Project, developed with Gridworks and backed by the UK. The project represents Africa’s first privately financed independent power transmission project to reach financial close and will add 700 MVA of transformation capacity across four substations.

Uganda is also diversifying its generation mix following the commissioning of the 600-MW Karuma Hydropower Plant, which has lifted installed capacity to 2,098 MW. In October, the country commissioned the 24-MWp Ituka Solar Project, its first major independent grid-connected solar development, adding renewable generation to a system historically dominated by hydropower.

The government is also pursuing a long-term nuclear energy programme as it works toward a more diversified energy portfolio and a potential generation capacity of 10,000 MW.

“Uganda is entering a defining phase in its energy development, with first oil approaching, new transmission investment unlocking power infrastructure and renewable projects broadening the generation mix,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Minister Masanza’s participation at AEW 2026 will give investors an important opportunity to engage directly with Uganda’s energy strategy and the projects shaping its next phase of growth.”

AEW 2026 takes place October 12–16 in Cape Town. To register, visit www.aecweek-registration.com/2026/ or contact registration@aecweek.com.