(Posted 22nd September 2026)
The 1,443-kilometre heated pipeline, stretching from Uganda’s oil fields in the Lake Albert basin to the Tanzanian port of Tanga on the Indian Ocean, is expected to be completed soon with oil exports anticipated to begin in early 2027.
The pipeline will transport crude oil from the Tilenga and Kingfisher oil fields in western Uganda to international markets through Tanzania’s coastline and is set to become the world’s longest electrically heated crude oil pipeline.
Once operational, the project is expected to export more than 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day, marking the first time Uganda exports commercially produced crude oil.
The development positions the East African region among emerging oil-exporting corridors, with both Uganda and Tanzania projecting economic benefits from the investment through infrastructure development, employment and increased trade.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline Company describes the project as a technologically advanced heated pipeline designed to transport Uganda’s waxy crude oil safely over the long distance to the export terminal at Tanga.
According to the company, the pipeline has been pressure-tested, will be monitored along its entire route and incorporates leak detection systems capable of isolating sections of the pipeline in the event of an incident.
The company also says the pipeline has been designed to remain underground along its route, while operations will be managed through multiple control stations.
Uganda is also working on the establishment of a modular refinery, with initial production of 60.000 barrels of oil per day, on completion aimed to serve the local market with much cheaper fuel before also exporting white fuels into the hinterland region.
