Building Uganda’s Oil Future: COSL’s Transformative Role at Kingfisher & Tilenga

In Uganda’s oil-rich Albertine Graben, two cornerstone projects—Kingfisher and Tilenga—are redefining the livelihoods of thousands of Ugandans. Anchored by China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL Uganda) and its partner CNOOC, these initiatives reshape local economies, skills, and social expectations. From deploying high-tech rigs to training engineers and fostering local enterprise, COSL is equipping Uganda with both infrastructure and human capital.

1. Cutting-Edge Equipment, Local Jobs

COSL Uganda introduced the LR8001—a first-of-its-kind, fully automated, virtually silent land rig capable of drilling up to 8 km deep. Deployed at Kingfisher, it supports complex directional wells while reducing noise, emissions, and waste—a nod to smart, environmentally responsible development. In addition, the Xuanji and Welleader/Drilog systems, paired with COSL’s elite drilling tech, have already completed ten wells (over 30,000 m of drilling) in Kingfisher—showcasing Uganda’s readiness for high-end oil extraction. These technological breakthroughs have translated into job creation: CNOOC reports over 11,000 direct employees, with more than 95% Ugandans, primarily from neighboring communities.

2. Skills, Training, and Local Capacity

Beyond employing locals, COSL’s development officer in Kampala ensures structured training and competence growth for all personnel. Over 11,000 Ugandans have been trained in welding, civil engineering, heavy goods vehicle operation, and more. Additionally, 200+ local enterprises have received support in business management and bid acquisition, leveraging Uganda’s proud tradition of small- and medium-sized enterprises.

A landmark MOU with Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) formalized COSL’s commitment to joint workshops, secondments, and shared innovation—pivotal to long-term local empowerment unoc.co.ug.

3. Enterprise Growth and Economic Inclusion

The ripple effect of COSL’s involvement in Tilenga and Kingfisher extends far beyond the rigs. As CNOOC intensifies drilling, 41 community-based Ugandan companies in host districts have been awarded supply and service contracts worth approximately UGX 6.6 trillion—fueling a local supply-chain boom.

Partnering in joint ventures with at least 48% Ugandan ownership, these companies are positioned to stay in the oil sector beyond initial development phases.

4. Environmental Caution and Social Consciousness

COSL’s state-of-the-art equipment is not just high-performance—it’s biodegradable: zero-discharge systems, noise reduction, and minimized ecological disturbance underscore a deeper commitment to environmental protection redpepper.co.ug.

Training also emphasizes safety, certification, and technical excellence—ensuring operations are efficient, low-risk, and compliant with global best practices.

5. Challenges and Accountability

No development of this scale is without critique. Human rights groups have raised concerns about forced evictions near Lake Albert, loss of fishing income, and intimidation involving security forces. However, the Ugandan government asserts that compensation and support mechanisms are in place, and environmental assessments have been conducted. COSL’s transparent approach to community engagement and environmental safeguards must sustain growth—balancing progress with rights and ecosystems.

6. A Brightened Future for Uganda

COSL Uganda doesn’t just bring rigs—it brings transformation:

• Thousands of local jobs across technical, unskilled, and professional roles.

• Skill development through training, certification, and capacity building.

• Local procurement, injecting UGX 6.6 trillion into Ugandan businesses.

• Knowledge transfer through MOU-backed collaboration with UNOC.

• Eco-conscious operations, setting a new standard for low-impact oil production.

This engine of technology, inclusion, and enterprise means the ‘Pearl of Africa’ is shining brighter, with Ugandans set to reap long-term benefits from their nation’s natural wealth