05/October/2025
by Y.Emma#lcctv reporter
HOIMA, UGANDA – October 26, 2025 – In a development that promises to significantly alter the nation’s economic landscape, the Ugandan government and its international partners announced today the discovery of a substantial new oil reserve in the Lake Albert Rift Basin.
The discovery, named the “Ngaji Basin Field,” is 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.
At 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.
The proven reserves provide a stronger asset base for UNOC, which has been actively seeking international financing to buy out shares and increase its stake in the overall project.
Industry analysts suggest the scale of the new find could revive discussions for an additional module at the under-construction Hoima Oil Refinery, increasing its capacity to better serve the domestic and regional market.
The news has been met with immediate concern from environmental and climate activist groups.”Every new fossil fuel discovery is a step in the wrong direction for the global climate,” said a spokesperson for the Africa Institute for Energy Governance. “This will inevitably lead to more habitat fragmentation in critical ecosystems, increased carbon emissions, and further complicates the land compensation and community relocation processes. We urge the government to instead invest this momentum and potential revenue into a just transition to renewable energy.”
Local community leaders have expressed a mix of cautious optimism and apprehension, calling for transparent communication and fair compensation for any land acquired.
The discovery has placed a renewed spotlight on East Africa as an emerging energy province. While global markets are increasingly shifting towards renewables, the demand for fossil fuels in the medium term, particularly from developing economies, ensures Uganda’s resource remains strategically important.
The consortium partners are expected to fast-track the appraisal drilling phase, with a final investment decision (FID) on developing the Ngaji field projected for late 2026.
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