The governments of Uganda and Tanzania announced that the first export of crude oil from Uganda's oil fields via the East African Crude Oil Pipeline will commence in October this year. As of the end of December 2025, the pipeline project has completed 79% of its progress. This update was revealed by the energy ministers of both countries during a high-level stakeholder meeting held in Dar es Salaam on January 5, where they also assessed the preparation progress and collaboration before Uganda's initial oil export. The evaluation covered advancements in pipeline construction, surface facilities, the marine terminal in Tanga, and supporting infrastructure. Officials stated that the project is currently in its peak phase and remains on schedule to meet the operational readiness deadline by July 31, 2026. Uganda's delegation was led by Energy Minister Ruth Nankabira, while Tanzania's delegation was headed by Energy Minister Deus Gratius Endebeg. The project has faced criticism from environmental and human rights organizations, who argue it poses climate risks and has displaced tens of thousands of landowners along the route—a 1,443-kilometer pipeline extending from Uganda's Albertine Rift Basin to the Jangwani Peninsula in Tanga Port, Tanzania. The Ugandan Energy Minister acknowledged these criticisms but noted that strong political support and cooperation between the two governments have secured funding and maintained construction momentum for the project. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is the longest heated pipeline in the world, operating at approximately 50°C to transport Uganda's waxy crude oil. Its peak capacity can deliver up to 230,000 barrels of crude oil daily to Tanga Port, where it is loaded for export.
