By Ali Ssekatawa
Around this time in 2026, Uganda will be preparing to receive its first petroleum revenues as the long-awaited dream of First Oil becomes a reality. Yet when that moment arrives, few will fully recall the immense work, discipline, and resilience that have brought the country to this milestone.
If someone told you today that it has already been ten years since the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) and its sister agencies such as the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) were created, it would feel almost unbelievable. Not because it isn’t true, but because of how quickly time passes.
“Hope is a waking dream” Aristotle ounce remarked. A decade ago, when the PAU was still an idea on paper, founded on the hope that Uganda would one day regulate its petroleum sector with world-class standards, there was a quiet but firm conviction that this country would eventually produce its first oil. A few of us bought into the big dream, resigned our careers and followed the promise, despite the many doubting ‘Thomases’. Today, at the ten-year mark, that conviction has matured into a near reality. First Oil is no longer a distant aspiration; it is within sight.
The early years were anything but simple. The Authority had to build itself from the ground up, putting in place systems, structures, skilled personnel, and technical capacity, all while stepping into a sector dominated by some of the world’s largest oil giants. Regulating such heavyweights demanded not only competence but also courage, foresight, and unwavering clarity of purpose.
Uganda’s choice to establish distinct institutions like the PAU and UNOC did not happen by accident. It was informed by years of careful study from the successful cases and those facing the “resource curse.” A common thread among those that failed was the absence of strong, independent regulatory bodies. By contrast, countries that succeeded invested early in separating policy, regulation, and commercial operations. Uganda followed that path.
The inaugural Board, led by Dr. Jane Mulemwa, had the enormous task of assembling a capable institution essentially from scratch. Working alongside the indefatigable Executive Director, Mr. Ernest Rubondo, the team grew from just two staff members to the current 220 professionals whose expertise now anchors Uganda’s petroleum governance. Their collective knowledge has enabled the Authority to navigate the complex terrain of regulating a nascent but rapidly growing industry. The new board, led by an equally ambitious Ms Lynda Biribonwa, has its teeth cut out and is scaling the heights.
With this strong foundation, the Authority provided regulatory oversight that paved the way for the Final Investment Decision (FID) in February 2022, unlocking over US$15 billion in investments for the Albertine Region projects. This progress reflects years of de-risking the sector and building investor confidence while safeguarding Uganda’s national interests.
Today, the results of that work are evident. The 2024 Annual Resources Report shows an increase in Uganda’s oil in place from 6.5 billion to 6.6 billion barrels, and recoverable resources rising from 1.4 billion to 1.6 billion barrels. The Tilenga Project has reached 60% the Kingfisher Development Project is at 74% While, the EACOP is now 75% complete. First oil expected in the second half of 2026.
To get lost is to learn the way. This journey has not been without low points including the insufferable #stopeacop, Covid 19, disputes and other calamities. But so is life. Yet despite these hurdles, the sector has remained on course—steadied by strong institutions, committed partners, and a farsighted stewardship from the line Ministry and H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
We look back with pride and satisfaction and look forward to exciting times of regulating production phase, together with the new mandate of consumer protection in the downstream subsector. We shall keep the promise alive. To all who have walked this journey with us, we say thank you, merci, xie xie, asante.
‘Gakyali Mabaga’
The Author is the Director Legal and Corporate Affairs at the PAU
Email; corporateaffairs@pau.go.ug
