Kikuube, Uganda – Uganda’s transition towards commercial oil production reached a significant milestone as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni unveiled “Pearl Sweet” as the official name for the country’s crude oil during a visit to the Kingfisher Oilfield in Buhuka, Kikuube District. The announcement came as the Kingfisher Central Processing Facility (CPF) reached mechanical completion, marking important progress in Uganda’s journey from petroleum exploration and development towards production.

President Museveni explained that the name “Sweet” reflected the crude’s very low sulphur content, while “Pearl” drew from Uganda’s longstanding identity as the Pearl of Africa. The President emphasised that Uganda’s petroleum resources represented more than an export commodity, describing them as an opportunity to strengthen industrialisation, infrastructure, energy security and productive capacity. He stressed that revenues generated from the finite resource should be channelled into durable national assets and productive investments capable of benefiting current and future generations.

The President also reaffirmed the strategic importance of Uganda’s planned oil refinery alongside the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). Domestic refining, he noted, would contribute to the supply of petroleum products while supporting Uganda’s broader industrial transformation. Responsible utilisation of associated gas was also highlighted. Uganda intends to use gas from the Kingfisher field for electricity generation and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) production rather than flaring it.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Monica Musenero, said “Pearl Sweet” reflected both the technical characteristics of Uganda’s crude and the country’s national identity. She observed that petroleum development had progressed from a longstanding aspiration into investments in infrastructure, skills, businesses and productive assets.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Eng. Pauline Irene Batebe, said the Kingfisher project was nearing completion, with commissioning activities underway and first oil expected by the end of September. The Central Processing Facility was designed to handle up to 40,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

The crude from Kingfisher will be transported through the 1,443-kilometre EACOP to Tanga Port in Tanzania. Because the crude is waxy, the pipeline will be heated to facilitate transportation. Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja highlighted the wider development associated with Uganda’s petroleum programme, including infrastructure, roads, industrial development and improved public services in the Bunyoro sub-region.

CNOOC Uganda Limited President Liu Xiangdong reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working with the Government, communities and partners to develop Uganda’s petroleum resources safely, responsibly and sustainably. With the Kingfisher facility mechanically complete and commissioning progressing, Uganda’s petroleum sector was entering a decisive phase in its journey towards first oil and the wider utilisation of petroleum resources for national development.

Photo Credit: PPU