Uganda Discovers Significant New Oil Reserves in Kasuruban Block

Uganda has announced a substantial energy breakthrough, revealing the discovery of approximately 600 million barrels of recoverable crude oil in the Kasuruban exploration block. This announcement was made by the state-owned Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and marks one of the most significant developments in Uganda's oil sector in over a decade. The Kasuruban block, covering 1,285 square kilometers, was acquired in 2023 under a production-sharing agreement with the government. This discovery is expected to significantly increase Uganda's proven oil reserves and reshape expectations for the Albertine Rift Basin, a key hydrocarbon region in East Africa.

Despite having no oil production, East African nation strikes 600 million-barrel crude discovery

The discovery comes at a pivotal time as Uganda prepares for commercial production from the Tilenga and Kingfisher oil fields, operated by France’s TotalEnergies and China’s CNOOC. Production from these fields is anticipated to begin in the second half of 2026, with peak output projected at around 200,000 barrels per day. The Lake Albert region, which already contains over one billion barrels of oil and gas equivalent, is considered the backbone of Uganda's energy sector. The new findings in the Kasuruban block further enhance the region's long-term potential and highlight Uganda's advancing upstream capabilities.

Despite having no oil production, East African nation strikes 600 million-barrel crude discovery

In conjunction with these discoveries, construction is progressing on the $5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which will transport crude oil from western Uganda to Tanzania’s Tanga port. The pipeline, stretching 1,443 kilometers, is crucial for exporting oil from the Albertine Graben. Despite facing financing delays and international environmental scrutiny, approximately $3.3 billion has already been invested in the project, with TotalEnergies holding a 62% stake. The completion of the pipeline is expected to align with the first oil production from the Tilenga and Kingfisher fields.

Despite having no oil production, East African nation strikes 600 million-barrel crude discovery

Despite these promising developments, Uganda has faced significant delays in becoming an oil producer since confirming its first commercial oil finds over a decade ago. Challenges include the complexities of building necessary infrastructure, securing financing, and addressing environmental and community concerns. If current timelines are maintained, commercial production is now slated for mid-2026.

Despite having no oil production, East African nation strikes 600 million-barrel crude discovery

UNOC's announcement emphasizes the importance of the Kasuruban discovery for Uganda's energy future, stating that it represents one of the largest additions to the country's resource base since the initial Lake Albert finds. The company has not released detailed seismic and drilling data but remains optimistic about the potential of the new oil wells.

Despite having no oil production, East African nation strikes 600 million-barrel crude discovery

While the discoveries are celebrated by the Ugandan government and UNOC, there are ongoing concerns regarding environmental impacts and community displacement associated with oil extraction and pipeline construction. Critics argue that the rapid development of Uganda's oil sector must be balanced with sustainable practices and respect for local communities.

Despite having no oil production, East African nation strikes 600 million-barrel crude discovery

This discovery positions Uganda to potentially reshape its energy landscape, provided it can navigate the complexities that have historically delayed its oil production ambitions.

Despite having no oil production, East African nation strikes 600 million-barrel crude discovery