Image source: TrendsNAfrica,
Uganda - Interesting development and projects in the East-African country. Still untapped reserves in the ground and no easy access to world markets and no downstream facilities.
The government has taken on the challenge some years ago and kicked off a number of projects.
Pipeline
The creation of an export-pipeline via Tanzania, Tanga port, at the Indian Ocean. Total length of 1443 kms of which only 296 kms cross Uganda. A major complicatoin is the viscosity and waxy nature of Uganda's crude oil, requiring to heat the oil-flow. This will result in the longest heated pipeline in the world. Due its unique nature, Uganda has name the crude oil: Pearl. (AP) The pipeline is targeting a peak-capacity of 246,000 bbls/day. This capacity would allow to transport all planned daily production from Ugandan oilfields. UNOC, the Ugandan Oil Company is developing upstream daily capacity of just below 250,000 bbls/day.
Completion according to various sources is expected end of 2026 and exports to begin mid 2027. The website EACOP.COM provides comprehensive details on the project and configuration.
Source: Uganda National Oil company, EACOP
Refinery
With the pipeline nearing completion, Uganda is developing plans to utilize a substantial amount of the crude oil locally and building a completely new refinery.
The Uganda Refinery is aiming for a 60,000 bbls/day capacity and includes a 211 km long pipeline to a storage terminal at Namwabula, Mpigi District. According to various sourcess, the project is aiming for FID in the 1st quarter of 2027.
The lead partner in the project is Alpha MBM Investments from the UAE.Additionally UNOC has teemed up with China's CNOOC, Vitol and Total Energies for the Upstream facilities.
The geopolitical landscape has fundamentally altered the perception of both projects. Following the recent conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, the strategic value of East Africa's emerging energy infrastructure has become more apparent. A functioning export pipeline in 2027 would give Ugandan crude a direct route to global markets through the Indian Ocean, while the refinery would reduce the country's exposure to disruptions in international fuel supply chains.
At a time when the vulnerability of key maritime chokepoints, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, remains a global concern, these projects represent far more than commercial investments. They are critical components of regional energy resilience. Successfully delivering first exports in 2027 will be essential for reinforcing investor confidence and creating the conditions necessary for the refinery project to move decisively forward.
Given this context, maintaining accurate public information is increasingly important. The project schedule published on the UNOC website appears to be outdated and would benefit from a comprehensive update.
