The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has dismissed reports alleging that Uganda secretly sold off its oil reserves, describing the claims as baseless as the country moves closer to its planned oil production in late 2026.
The clarification follows speculation that crude resources in the Bunyoro region had been prematurely sold to foreign buyers.
However, Angela Ambaho Kariisa, Communications Manager at the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), affirmed that the government retains full sovereignty over the country’s oil resources and that no oil has been sold.
She added that Uganda remains focused on achieving key technical milestones in preparation for “first oil” before the end of 2026, noting that the country is currently in the final stages of operational readiness.
Meanwhile, Humphrey Asiimwe, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, said efforts are underway to counter misinformation through increased transparency.
He revealed that registered members of the public will be allowed to visit project sites on April 30 to observe progress on the country’s oil infrastructure.
The government maintains that all developments in the oil sector are being handled transparently as Uganda prepares to join oil-producing nations.
By Olivia Nabaggala
22nd April 2026
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