CNOOC Uganda progresses in oil exploration

The oil company is  now shifting focus to the upcoming infrastructure developments that are critical for the eventual extraction and processing of oil

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | CNOOC Uganda Limited, a key player in Uganda’s burgeoning oil sector and the operator of the Kingfisher oil field in the Albertine Graben, has successfully completed drilling three wells on well pad 2, a significant milestone that began on January 24. The company has also commenced drilling on well pad 3, signaling rapid progress in its exploration activities.

These developments are crucial as the company anticipates the completion of essential infrastructure, including a refinery and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, to commence full-scale oil production.

Andrew Mbigiti, Media and Publicity Supervisor at CNOOC Uganda, expressed optimism about the pace of development. “With the completion of three wells on well pad 2 and drilling underway on well pad 3, we are moving closer to achieving our goal of contributing significantly to Uganda’s oil production capabilities,” Mbigiti said as the company hosted journalists for dinner in Kampala on March 15.

“Our focus now shifts to the upcoming infrastructure developments that are critical for the eventual extraction and processing of oil.”

In addition to its exploration and drilling successes, CNOOC Uganda is poised to expand its workforce significantly. The company’s employee count is set to increase from 2,370 to 2,427 in the coming months, with a recent job advertisement seeking 57 new employees, 40 of whom require no prior experience.

This expansion underscores CNOOC Uganda’s commitment to contributing to local employment and skill development. Currently, the company employs 155 Ugandans directly, with its contractors employing an additional 1,633 individuals, alongside 582 employees from the host community.

Social-economic initiatives

Employment growth is just one aspect of CNOOC Uganda’s broader commitment to supporting Uganda’s development goals, particularly as the nation anticipates the commencement of oil production in 2025. The company has also been active in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, focusing on education, health, environmental conservation, and community development. Last year, CNOOC Uganda conducted a free medical camp, offered international scholarships, supported vocational training for youths, and engaged in various environmental conservation projects.

Looking ahead, CNOOC Uganda plans to continue its support for community development through enterprise health, safety, and environment (HSE) ISO Certification training, skilling programs for welders, training for heavy goods vehicle operation, and additional CSR activities in education and health. These efforts are part of the company’s strategy to ensure sustainable development and community engagement as it progresses towards full-scale oil production.

As CNOOC Uganda moves forward with its drilling and infrastructure development projects, the anticipation of Uganda’s first oil draws closer. With the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and a new refinery on the horizon, Uganda is poised to become a significant player in the global oil market, bringing substantial economic benefits and development opportunities to the country and its people.