Uganda has begun drilling operations in its controversial Kingfisher oil field, according to Associated Press. The country expects to start oil production as soon as 2025.
oil drilling rig
Chinese oil company CNOOC operates the field, which holds an estimated 1.4 Bbbls. Uganda’s ministry of energy and mines representative said that drilling commencement at the Kingfisher field is a “significant stride” in the country’s efforts to produce commercial oil.
Uganda’s representative, Solomon Muyita, also confirmed construction plans for the world’s “longest heated oil pipeline.” The pipeline will connect Uganda and the Indian Ocean port of Tanga in Tanzania.
These developments have been met with sharp criticism from environmental activists who insist that the infrastructure will harm the country’s fragile ecosystem while displacing hundreds of thousands of residents.
