The Uganda National Oil Company Limited (UNOC) is marking a significant milestone, celebrating 10 years of strategic leadership in unlocking the value of Uganda’s petroleum resources.
This decade of dedication, professionalism, and resilience has been instrumental in shaping the future of the nation’s energy sector. It is a key pillar in the government’s vision for transforming Uganda’s economy.
In a statement celebrating UNOC’s anniversary, at a function held in Kampala on Thursday, attended by among others Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and Secretary to the Treasury, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, lauded the company’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Ugandans fully benefit from the oil and gas sector.
“Over the years, UNOC has demonstrated professionalism, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that Ugandans fully benefit from our oil and gas sector,” the Minister stated.
Driving Key National Projects Towards First Oil and Economic Transformation
UNOC’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Proscovia Nabbanja, noted that as Uganda moves closer to the landmark achievement of First Oil, UNOC’s pivotal role in advancing critical national projects is directly tied to the goal of national economic transformation.
The revenues, infrastructure, and skills development from these projects, she observed, are designed to create lasting impact beyond the energy sector.
“UNOC’s Corporate Strategy journey, from foundation (FY2019/20–FY2023/24) to accelerated growth (FY2024/25–FY2029/30), has seen the Company: Establish strong institutional systems, clarity of purpose, and shareholder confidence, drive key upstream projects, including Tilenga, Kingfisher, and Kasuruban exploration blocks,” Ms. Nabbanja said.
She added that UNOC has also managed to advance critical midstream initiatives such as EACOP, Uganda Refinery, and Kabalega Industrial Park, with steady progress on infrastructure, financing, and partnerships.
“I am proud of the work we have accomplished here. As we celebrate this milestone, we acknowledge that UNOC’s journey is built on visionary leadership, dedicated management, and committed teams across all departments. Together, we continue to advance our mission: “Creating Value for Generations”, delivering sustainable growth, operational excellence, and socio-economic transformation for Uganda,” she asserted.
Key projects undertaken and or developed by UNOC over the 10 years include:
Tilenga and Kingfisher Projects: Upstream developments critical for crude oil production.
East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP): The transnational pipeline project, crucial for unlocking export revenue.
Kabaale Industrial Park: Set to house the refinery and other value-adding facilities, creating a major industrial hub.
National Storage Infrastructure: Essential for energy security and efficient domestic supply.
In her remarks, Minister Nankabirwa emphasised that UNOC’s work is “central to our ambition of building a competitive, transparent, and sustainable energy sector for Uganda,” a sector that will act as a major catalyst for modernising and diversifying the national economy.
Recognition of Strategic Guidance
Minister Nankabirwa extended profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whose “clarity of purpose” ensured the responsible and commercial development of Uganda’s natural resources for the benefit of all citizens.
“The president’s consistent guidance and strategic leadership planted the seed that has grown into the UNOC we celebrate today,” she affirmed.
Collaborative Success
The Minister also appreciated the broader collaborative effort essential for steering the sector, thanking the cabinet and the parliament for their support, plus the shareholders for their strategic direction.
A special appreciation was given to the Board, Management, and staff of UNOC, both past and present, specifically recognising Ms.Nabbanja for carrying the mandate with dedication.
Looking Ahead and Foundation for the Future
In her concluding remarks, Hon. Nankabirwa offered her congratulations on the important milestone and looked forward to the future:
“I look forward to the next decade of growth, value addition, and national transformation,” she noted.
This 10th anniversary serves not just as a reflection on past achievements but as a powerful testament to the foundation UNOC has built for a prosperous, energy-secure future, and ultimately, a transformed Ugandan economy.