The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section is a professional association for individuals in the oil and gas industry in Uganda. It provides resources for technical knowledge, networking and professional development.
Benefits include access to technical resources, networking opportunities, professional development programs, industry events and publications. Members also gain recognition and credibility within the global oil and gas industry.
To become a member, visit the global SPE website, fill out the membership application form, and pay the membership fee. Membership is open to professionals, students and academia involved in the oil and gas industry. You can also contact us for any queries on membership.
We offer various membership types including Professional, Student, Recent Graduate and Retired memberships. Each type has specific eligibility criteria and benefits. You can find our more about the different types of membership here.
The Section organizes a wide range of virtual and physical events, including technical workshops, conferences, symposiums and networking events. These events provide opportunities for learning, sharing knowledge and professional networking.
Yes you can! SPE offers a mentoring program that connects experienced professionals with those seeking guidance. You can sign up for the program here and be matched with a suitable mentor.
SPE offers a variety of publications, including journals, magazines, technical papers, and books. Notable publications include the Journal of Petroleum Technology (JPT) and SPE Reservoir Evaluation & Engineering. We also have a multi-society online library of technical literature called OnePetro for the oil and gas industry. It provides access to a vast collection of technical papers, journals, and conference proceedings.
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section is a professional association for individuals in the oil and gas industry in Uganda. It provides resources for technical knowledge, networking and professional development.
Uganda’s oil and gas industry is still in the developmental phase. The country has discovered substantial oil reserves, primarily in the Albertine Graben region, and is working towards commercial production. Key projects include the development of Tilenga and Kingfisher oil fields, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and Kabalega Industrial Park.
Uganda’s oil reserves are estimated to be around 6.5 billion barrels, with approximately 1.4 billion barrels considered recoverable and 1.04 billion barrels classsified as reserves. Recoverable gas resources are estimated at 500 billion cubic feet. These reserves are primarily located in the Albertine Graben, a region known for its rich hydrocarbon deposits.
The main oil fields in Uganda are located in the Albertine Graben. Notable fields include the Kingfisher field, operated by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and the Tilenga oil field, operated by TotalEnergies. These fields are expected to be the primary sources of Uganda’s oil production. The fields in the Tilenga project are expected to produce about 874 million barrels with a peak production of 190,000 barrels per day, whereas the Kingfisher field will have 203 million barrels with a plateau of 40,000 barrels of oil per day at First Oil.
Major players in Uganda’s oil and gas sector include international oil companies such as TotalEnergies and CNOOC, as well as the Uganda National Oil Company. These companies are involved in exploration, development, and production activities. The Ugandan government, through the Petroleum Authority of Uganda and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, also plays a crucial role in regulating and overseeing the industry. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Limited and the Albertine Graben Energy Consortium (AGEC) are also developing and managing the infrastructure to commercialize Uganda’s Oil and Gas resources to be produced, namely the EACOP and Refinery, respectively.
The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) regulates and monitors the oil and gas sector. Its responsibilities include issuing licenses, ensuring compliance with regulations, overseeing exploration and production activities, as well as promoting transparency and accountability. UNOC represents the Government of Uganda’s commercial interests in the oil and gas sector and is a joint venture partner to the licensees operated by CNOOC Uganda Ltd and TotatlEnergies.
EACOP is a major infrastructure project designed to transport crude oil from Uganda’s oil fields in the Albertine Graben to the port of Tanga in Tanzania for export. The pipeline will be approximately 1,443 kilometers long and is expected to facilitate the commercialization of Uganda’s oil resources. This project is expected to bring several benefits including job creation, increased government revenue and improved infrastructure. It will also enable Uganda to export its oil, contributing to economic growth and development. Additionally, the project aims to adhere to high environmental and social standards to minimize its impact on local communities and ecosystems.
The oil industry has the potential to significantly impact Uganda’s economy by generating substantial revenue, creating jobs and attracting foreign investment. The development of oil infrastructure and related industries can also stimulate economic growth and improve living standards. However, it is essential to manage oil revenues effectively to avoid the “resource curse” and ensure sustainable development.
The government of Uganda has established the Petroleum Fund to manage oil revenues transparently and sustainably. The fund is designed to ensure that oil revenues are used for national development and to benefit future generations. The government has also enacted laws and regulations to promote transparency and accountability in the management of oil revenues.
The Ugandan government, in collaboration with international oil companies, has implemented several measures to mitigate environmental impacts. These include conducting environmental impact assessments (EIAs), adhering to international environmental standards and implementing best practices in oil extraction and transportation. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to engage local communities in environmental monitoring and conservation activities.
The government enforces compliance through regulatory bodies such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Petroleum Authority of Uganda. These agencies conduct inspections, monitor activities and impose penalties for non-compliance.