Uganda’s oil and gas industry has already created nearly 20,000 direct jobs for citizens, with more than 180,000 additional people benefiting indirectly from opportunities linked to the sector.
This was disclosed in a new data report released by the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) on Monday, 1 December 2025.
The report highlights not only the scale of employment but also the quality of jobs being secured by Ugandans.
Citizens now account for 64% of management positions, 85% of technical roles, and an overwhelming 99% of support jobs across the industry.
Officials say this reflects a deliberate effort to ensure national talent is empowered at every level of the sector.
“Progress on Uganda’s oil and gas projects is advancing well, demonstrating readiness for first oil. The Kingfisher project is approximately 75% complete, Tilenga is about 60% complete, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline stands at 74%,” said Ernest Rubondo, Executive Director of PAU.
Rubondo added that no other sector in Uganda’s economy has advanced national content development as extensively as oil and gas, underscoring the industry’s role in building local capacity.
The projects—Kingfisher, Tilenga, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline—are central to Uganda’s long-awaited entry into commercial oil production.
These projects are being executed by TotalEnergies and its joint venture partners.
First oil is expected by mid-next year, a milestone that could transform the country’s economy by boosting exports, revenues, and energy security.
A few days ago, Uganda’s national oil company Unoc reported nine new potential oil discoveries in the Kasuruban block that could substantially boost reserves in the Albertine Rift Basin.