Uganda's $4bn Hoima refinery launch now expected in 2029–30

Uganda’s $4bn Hoima refinery, originally slated for commissioning in 2027, is now expected to begin operations in late 2029 or 2030, according to the general manager of the Uganda Refinery Holding Co., Michael Nkambo Mugerwa.

Mugerwa’s announcement came during the Invest in Uganda panel at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025, which took place in Cape Town, South Africa, according to Nile Post.

The new 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) plant is a joint venture (JV) between the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and UAE-based Alpha MBM Investments, with UNOC holding a 40% stake and Alpha MBM the remaining 60%.

Regarding the project, Mugerwa said, “This project goes beyond fuel production. We are looking at petrochemicals, kerosene, fertilisers, and gas processing. The refinery is designed to capture the full value chain, turning crude into a diversified range of industrial inputs.”

Along with the plant, an industrial park is also under construction – worth $3-4bn in current investment, with expectations that an additional $1-2bn will be required.

So far, about 15 investors have committed to projects in the park – with roads and a 200MW high-voltage power supply expected to support domestic energy needs and regional exports to Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Furthermore, Threeways Shipping Services Ltd. (TSS) – a subsidiary of logistics company Bro-Group – also began construction of a new inland terminal in June. The Hoima Inland Terminal is designed to function as a multi-purpose facility containing numerous important components, including advanced storage and warehouse facilities, cargo management systems, customs and URA offices for import-export operations, and infrastructure that is health and safety compliant – among other things.

According to Bro-Group, the facility will be constructed across 25-30 acres of land within the Hoima Industrial Zone. The company notes that this will allow it to act as a “crucial logistics gateway for the Albertine region’s oil and gas operations.”

Indeed, the recent uptick in new oil and gas projects signals Uganda’s investment appeal, with CEO of the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals Humphrey Asiimwe noting: “There is peace, security, a young population, and a stable currency. If you bring in equipment, the import tax is 0%. Plus, Uganda offers direct access to markets in Tanzania, Kenya, and DR Congo. If not Uganda, where else would you invest?”

Furthermore, Uganda’s permanent secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Irene Bateebe, also highlighted additional projects underway: “We are expanding our energy portfolio to 10,000MW, including hydro, solar, and nuclear power. Already, $5 billion has been committed to upgrading and expanding power infrastructure to support these developments,” she said.

With funding secured for the new refinery and numerous other projects, Uganda’s energy future looks increasingly vibrant. According to Nile Post, such projects are bound to improve the country’s position in the East African energy landscape and position it as a regional energy hub.