Ministry of Energy has announced the discovery of new oil field “Ngaji Basin Field,” located in the Kikuube district, adjacent to the ongoing Tilenga and Kingfisher development projects.
Preliminary estimates from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development suggest the new field holds recoverable reserves of approximately 1.2 billion barrels, potentially increasing Uganda’s total proven reserves by over 25%.
The discovery was made by a consortium led by Uganda’s National Oil Company (UNOC) in partnership with international energy giants, following advanced seismic imaging and exploratory drilling that began in late 2023.
During a press conference in Hoima, Uganda’s Minister for Energy, Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, hailed the discovery as a historic breakthrough.
“This is not just another oil find; it is a transformative moment for the economic destiny of Uganda,” Minister Nankabirwa stated. “The Ngaji Basin Field confirms our long-held belief in the vast, untapped potential of the Lake Albert region. This discovery significantly extends the production lifespan of our oil projects and will substantially increase the revenue needed to fund our national development agenda, from infrastructure and healthcare to education.”
The announcement comes as Uganda is on the cusp of first oil from its existing projects, with the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) slated for completion in late 2025.
The discovery has immediate strategic implications: The new reserves could extend Uganda’s peak oil production period by an estimated 10-15 years, ensuring a longer and more stable flow of petrodollars into the economy.
Uganda’s oil journey is progressing from discovery to production, with major milestones reached and a focus on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) to transport crude to international markets by mid-2025, though this date has been pushed back to 2026-2027.
Key developments include significant progress on the EACOP, the Tielenga and King Fisher oil fields and a commitment to developing a local refining capacity. The project is poised to be a major economic driver, aiming to create significant revenue and jobs while navigating challenges related to environmental sustainability and local community benefits.