The Minister of Energy, Dr Monica Musenero, has defended Uganda’s decision to develop its oil resources despite growing global campaigns calling for a shift away from fossil fuels.
Speaking during a visit to Pump Station One of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in Kabaale, Hoima District, Musenero said Uganda must responsibly harness its petroleum resources while simultaneously investing in cleaner and renewable sources of energy.
She said Uganda is a minimal contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions and is committed to producing what she described as a carbon-neutral barrel of oil.
Musenero added that revenues from the country’s petroleum resources will be critical in supporting Uganda’s economic and social transformation, while the country continues to pursue cleaner energy alternatives.
Meanwhile, EACOP Deputy Managing Director John Bosco Habugisha said construction of the pipeline is now 92 percent complete, with the project entering a critical phase of commissioning and testing ahead of Uganda’s first oil production.
Habugisha said Pump Station One, located in Kabaale, marks kilometre zero of the 1,443-kilometre heated pipeline.
The pipeline will transport crude oil from Uganda’s Kingfisher and Tilenga oil fields, through Uganda and Tanzania, to the Chongoleani Marine Storage Terminal near the Port of Tanga, from where the crude will be exported to international markets.
With construction nearing completion, EACOP is now moving into commissioning and testing as Uganda prepares to commence commercial oil production.
By Charles Katabalwa
2nd Sept 2026
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