Uganda has raised its recoverable oil reserves to 1.65 billion barrels, up from 1.4 billion, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) announced, signalling a major boost for Africa’s latest energy frontier.
![Uganda’s Albertine Graben oil reserves expand to 1.65 billion barrels, boosting regional energy prospects. [Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Getty Images]](https://www.zebek.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Ugandas-Albertine-Graben-oil-reserves-expand-to-1.65-billion-barrels-300x163.jpeg)
- Uganda’s recoverable oil reserves have risen to 1.65 billion barrels, strengthening its role in Africa’s energy market.
- The country is building a $4 billion export pipeline to Tanzania and a domestic refinery producing 60,000 barrels per day.
- Local firms have secured $2.2 billion in contracts, creating nearly 200,000 jobs.
- The expansion reassures investors and secures both refinery and export operations.
The announcement comes as the country moves toward commercial production, expected by July 2026.
Ernest Rubondo, PAU’s executive director, said the increase stems from improved data collection and updated evaluations of existing discoveries in the Albertine graben.
“The new resources strengthen Uganda’s position in the global energy market and reassure stakeholders about the viability of our projects,” Rubondo noted.
The PAU announced the discovery during its 10th anniversary, highlighting Uganda’s growing role in regional energy development.
The country is constructing a 1,443-kilometre heated crude oil export pipeline to Tanzania’s port of Tanga.
Backed by TotalEnergies, China’s CNOOC, the Uganda National Oil Company, and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, the $4 billion pipeline will carry nearly 220,000 barrels of oil per day.
![Uganda’s Albertine Graben oil reserves expand to 1.65 billion barrels, boosting regional energy prospects. [Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Getty Images]](https://www.zebek.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Ugandas-Albertine-Graben-oil-reserves-expand-to-1.65-billion-barrels-1-300x169.jpeg)
Alongside the pipeline, Uganda is developing an oil refinery designed to produce 60,000 barrels per day at peak.
The refinery has first priority for domestic resources, ensuring local value before exports. Rubondo confirmed that design finalisation, pre-commissioning studies, financing, and the establishment of the refinery company are complete, paving the way for full operations.
The recent increase in reserves also alleviates earlier concerns that domestic resources might be insufficient to supply both the refinery and the pipeline.
Rubondo added, “This development secures both projects and creates certainty for investors and local stakeholders alike.”
Ugandan participation in the oil sector has been significant. Out of $7 billion in approved contracts, approximately $2.2 billion has been awarded to local firms, while direct employment has reached nearly 20,000, with more than 180,000 benefiting indirectly.
With reserves climbing and infrastructure projects advancing, Uganda is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s energy landscape, attracting both international investment and domestic economic growth.
Originally Published by Business Insider Africa
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