Uganda stands at the threshold of a transformation it has pursued for over two decades. With the 11th Annual Oil and Gas Convention (OGC 2026) scheduled for 28th and 29th April at Speke Resort Munyonyo, the country is days away from formally declaring what the numbers already confirm.
The Tilenga Project has drilled 198 wells against a required 170. The Kingfisher Development has completed 21 wells against a target of 19 and achieved 77 percent overall progress.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), the critical artery that will carry crude to international markets, is now more than 83 percent complete, with 98 percent of compensation for project-affected persons along its corridor already paid out.
Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM) Chief Executive Officer Humphrey Asiimwe was direct in his assessment:
“The government has maintained a clear and consistent position we will achieve First Oil in the second half of 2026. What we are seeing across project sites reflects coordinated national effort, political will, and institutional discipline.”
Gloria Sebikari, Manager of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), echoed this confidence:
“We are beyond the question of whether Uganda can produce oil. The wells are drilled, the targets are met, and contractors are working around the clock,” she said. “This convention marks Uganda’s transition from infrastructure development to operating a world-class petroleum sector.”
The convention is the climax of the 30 Days of Oil and Gas Media Campaign 2026, a nationwide initiative that has documented verified progress across the petroleum value chain under the theme “Fulfilling Uganda’s First Oil Promise: The Final Countdown.” Organised by UCEM in partnership with MEMD, UNOC, and PAU, OGC 2026 convenes government officials, global investors, industry executives, and development partners to define what comes next.
For Uganda, First Oil is not simply an energy milestone. It is the culmination of years of policy commitment, institutional discipline, and infrastructure investment.
The clock is no longer running toward a promise. It is running toward delivery.