Starting in October 2026, Uganda is expected to begin receiving substantial revenues from its oil production,

Uganda 🇺🇬

Starting in October 2026, Uganda is expected to begin receiving substantial revenues from its oil production, with estimates projecting around $2 billion annually for approximately 20 years.

Based on agreements with project partners (such as TotalEnergies, CNOOC, and others involved in the Tilenga, Kingfisher, and East African Crude Oil Pipeline projects). 

First commercial oil exports via the EACOP pipeline are targeted for October 2026, following technical readiness by July 2026, with production ramping up thereafter and potentially peaking at levels that support these revenue figures.

In parallel, Uganda is aggressively pursuing regional trade expansion. A key initiative involves infrastructure to enhance connectivity with neighboring countries, including the DRC and the Central African Republic.

A notable project is the 223 km road network in eastern DRC (connecting areas like Mpondwe-Kasindi to Beni, Bunagana-Rutshuru-Goma, and Beni-Butembo), launched around 2021 by Ugandan contractor Dott Services to boost cross-border trade. 

The total cost was estimated at approximately $330–335 million (with some reports citing higher figures around $509 million possibly reflecting updates, inflation, or scope adjustments). 

Funding shares varied in reports: typically, Uganda and DRC each contributing around 20%, with the contractor covering the balance (though some accounts mention Uganda taking a larger share, such as 66%, potentially for specific segments or financing arrangements).

This road is seen as opening eastern DRC to Ugandan trade, and broader regional efforts—including trilateral initiatives with South Sudan and CAR for corridors (e.g., a 1,100 km project) aim to reduce logistics costs and unlock markets. 

Optimistically, improved connectivity could enable Uganda to generate significant additional trade value, potentially up to $1 billion annually from DRC and CAR combined, through increased exports, imports, and transit opportunities.These developments position Uganda to diversify beyond oil, leveraging strategic infrastructure for sustained regional economic integration.