Ugandans will have to wait much longer before they see the country’s refined petroleum products, as the Uganda National Oil Company confirms that the planned refinery in the Albertine region will be completed between late 2029 and 2030. 

However, this wait is anticipated to bring considerable benefits to the nation.

The completion of the refinery promises energy independence, as Uganda will be able to produce its own refined products rather than relying heavily on imports.

It will also stimulate economic growth, generate thousands of jobs, and foster the development of a petrochemical industry. 

Tony Otoa, the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), in an interview, confirms the refinery will come much later after the crude oil has begun to flow. 

Commercial crude oil pumping, or what many have referred to as first oil, is expected to begin during the second or third quarter of 2026. In the absence of a refinery, all the crude oil from the Tilenga and the Kingfisher projects will be pumped through the East African Crude Oil Pipeline for export through Tanzania’s Port of Tanga.