Cabinet ministers, Permanent Secretaries and heads of government agencies have concluded an inspection tour of key oil, gas and Africa Cup of Nations 2027 projects in the Bunyoro sub-region, expressing satisfaction with the pace of implementation.
The delegation, led by Vice President Jessica Alupo, began its field visit at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday before proceeding to the Kingfisher Oil Field in Kikuube District, operated by CNOOC Uganda.
Officials from the Petroleum Authority of Uganda guided the team through various facilities, including the oil rig and Central Processing Facility.
The delegation later visited Kabalega International Airport, a strategic project expected to support both Uganda’s oil and gas sector and preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
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Speaking after the tour, Alupo said the progress witnessed at the oil fields and related infrastructure projects demonstrates that Uganda is moving steadily towards economic self-reliance and eventual attainment of upper middle-income status.
“We have visited the facilities and indeed work is progressing well. Importantly, they are employing many of our own children. What Ugandans are waiting for, including myself, is the commercialization of the oil sector and the first oil. The exact date has not yet been announced,” Alupo said.
She urged residents of Bunyoro to continue supporting investors and development projects, noting that the investments will create jobs and transform the region economically.
“I know the people of Bunyoro support government and investors are not complaining in any way. They should continue embracing them because this is development and an opportunity for jobs for the people here and Uganda as a whole,” she added.
Alupo also commended progress at Hoima City Stadium, saying she was impressed by the transformation since the groundbreaking ceremony and expressing confidence in Uganda’s readiness to host Afcon 2027.
“I am glad I witnessed the groundbreaking and now I am seeing a state-of-the-art facility. This is good. I only implore the managers of the stadium to ensure it is properly maintained so that it continues to meet the required standards,” she said.
State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that the Confederation of African Football (Caf) had rejected Uganda’s preparations.
He said issues previously raised by Caf had been addressed and that inspectors are expected to return in August for further assessment and approval.
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“Avoid the negative people posting things on social media claiming that Caf has rejected the facilities. There are many people who did not want East Africa to host Afcon and they are spreading misinformation. I want to assure Uganda, East Africa and Africa that we are ready for Afcon 2027,” Ogwang said.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja also praised the development projects underway in Bunyoro, saying they are evidence of government’s commitment to transforming the region.
“Because of oil and gas, we got Kabalega International Airport, and because of the airport we got the stadium. Because of the stadium, many developments are happening. We want to thank the President and government for giving back to us for the support we have always rendered. We are on another level,” Nabbanja said.
Uganda discovered commercially viable oil reserves in the Albertine Graben in 2006. The country is estimated to have 6.3 billion barrels of oil in place, with recoverable reserves currently estimated at 1.65 billion barrels, up from 1.4 billion barrels.
According to government figures, the sector has already generated significant economic activity, with more than $2 billion worth of contracts awarded to local companies and approximately 80,000 jobs created during the construction phase.