Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has launched the acquisition of 150-line kilometers of 2D seismic data in the Kasuruban Contract Area, marking a key milestone in its exploration work program.
Spanning approximately 1,285 square kilometers across parts of the Buliisa, Hoima, and Masindi districts, the survey aims to enhance subsurface imaging and refine exploration targets.
UNOC CEO, Proscovia Nabbanja, speaking at the launch, described the project as an important step in strengthening Uganda’s technical capacity to sustain and manage its petroleum resources, utilizing the economic viability of its abundance.
Nabbanja further stated that the milestone so achieved has affirmed UNOC’s growing role as an operator and demonstrates progress in developing national expertise to advance the country’s upstream potential.
The 2D seismic data acquisition project, executed by Oriental Geophysical Uganda Ltd, is in full compliance with environmental and safety standards and is being done in collaboration with government agencies, local authorities, and host communities.
Existing data from earlier surveys had indicated high potential, with more than nine prospects and an estimated 600 million barrels of oil in place.
As a follow-up to the seismic acquisition contract, UNOC is anticipated to enter into a joint venture partnership with a private company to develop Kasuruban. Though UNOC has not announced an expression of interest, China’s CNOOC had in the past shown interest in partnering on the Kasuruban
After the 2D seismic data, UNOC, together with its JV partner, will undertake engineering studies and acquire 3D seismic data to drill exploration wells.
At the end of the 2D acquisition activities, UNOC is expected to submit Field Development Plans to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) for plan approval, and the government will then issue a production license.
