Uganda has taken a significant step in modernising its petroleum exploration efforts with the launch of the Kasuruban Contract Area 2D Seismic Survey, a project officials say will enhance the country’s ability to identify new oil reserves and strengthen national operatorship capacity.
The launch coincided with a high-level field visit led by Ms Lucy Nakyobe, Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, accompanied by senior officials from the Ministries of ICT, Energy, and the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC).
Spanning 150 line kilometres across the oil-rich districts of Buliisa, Hoima, and Masindi, the survey is designed to improve subsurface imaging and refine exploration targets by using controlled seismic technology.
The method involves detonating two-kilogram dynamite charges buried nine metres below ground to generate sound waves. These waves bounce off underground rock layers and are captured by surface geophones, before being transmitted to digital systems that process them into detailed geological images.
“This is a major milestone in our exploration programme,” said Ms Lauda Kiconco, UNOC’s Head of Exploration and New Ventures.
“The new data will help us identify opportunities and further unlock Uganda’s oil potential.” The Kasuruban Block, covering 1,285 square kilometres, is the largest exploration area in the country and is key to efforts to expand Uganda’s confirmed petroleum reserves, currently estimated at 6.5 billion barrels in place, with 1.4 billion barrels recoverable.
The project is being undertaken by UNOC in partnership with BGP (Oriental Geophysics), under the supervision of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) and the Uganda National Oil Company and Mineral Development.
It also involves security and environmental protection support from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Police, and UPDF.
UNOC Chief Executive Officer, Proscovia Nabbanja, said the initiative highlights the growing role of data and digital workflows in the industry. “Exploring for oil and gas in Kasuruban showcases how technology is shaping Uganda’s petroleum future while building local capacity,” she noted.
The survey is also serving as a training ground for young Ugandan scientists, including Makerere University students who are participating in field data acquisition, processing, and geophysical analysis.
Officials say the hands-on exposure will help build the next generation of petroleum experts and support the country’s ambition of becoming a regional centre for technologically driven oil exploration.
With seismic data now being captured, the next phase will involve interpretation and drilling decisions—steps that could determine whether new commercial oil deposits are added to Uganda’s growing energy portfolio.