- Uganda and Tanzania are set to commence the first oil exports via the EACOP pipeline in October 2026.
- The project will generate 80% of its electricity from solar power and remains on track for full start-up readiness.
The Ugandan and Tanzanian governments confirmed that Uganda will begin exporting crude oil via the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in October 2026. As of December 2025, the project reached 79 per cent completion. Officials also stated that the pipeline is on schedule to meet operational targets. It will support regional energy development.
On 5 January, both governments announced during a high-level stakeholder meeting in Dar es Salaam. Energy ministers from Uganda and Tanzania met to review progress and plan the next steps. They examined pipeline construction, above-ground installations, the marine terminal in Tanga, and supporting infrastructure. Project officials confirmed that construction teams work at peak activity levels. Therefore, teams remain on track to achieve start-up readiness by 31 July 2026.
Uganda’s Energy Minister, Ruth Nankabirwa, led her delegation. It included officials from the Ministry of Energy, executives from the Uganda National Oil Company, the National Petroleum Council, and EACOP Ltd, the project company. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Energy Minister, Deogratius Ndejembi, led his delegation. It included officials from the Ministry of Energy, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, and the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA).
Environmental and human rights groups still criticise the project. They label EACOP a climate risk. They also report that tens of thousands of landowners lost property along its 1,443-kilometre route from Uganda’s Lake Albert basin to the Chongoleani peninsula at the Port of Tanga. Minister Nankabirwa acknowledged the concerns. However, she highlighted strong political backing and close cooperation between the two governments. This collaboration has secured financing and maintained construction momentum.
Joint venture partners TotalEnergies and CNOOC emphasise that the pipeline and the upstream Tilenga and Kingfisher projects implement measures to manage carbon emissions. Solar installations along the route will supply around 80 per cent of EACOP’s electricity needs. The remaining 20 per cent will draw from the grid rather than fuel-based generation. These measures reduce the project’s environmental footprint. They also ensure the safe and reliable export of oil.
In conclusion, the announcement marks a significant milestone in East Africa’s energy sector. Uganda and Tanzania prepare for the continent’s first large-scale crude oil exports via pipeline. Overall, the project shows its commitment to energy infrastructure, regional cooperation, and responsible project management.