Africa-Press – Uganda. The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has confirmed that construction of the USD 390 million Kabalega Industrial Park in Kabale Subcounty, Hoima District, will commence in 2026, with 31 investors already identified for participation.
The project, covering 29.57 square kilometres, will host key oil and gas infrastructure including Kabalega Airport and the Uganda Refinery, alongside agro-processing, logistics, warehousing, and mixed industries.
Officials say the park is expected to become a major hub for industrialisation in the oil-rich Albertine region.
UNOC Chief Executive Proscovia Nabbanja said that 11 kilometres of the planned 98-kilometre internal road network have already been opened to allow investors access to the site for inspection.
She noted that preparations are progressing steadily as government identifies additional investors for the project.
“While we already have 31 investors, we are continuing to identify more. The road network is a priority and is testament to our commitment to have the park up and running. We are also working on zoning them,” Nabbanja said.
Nabbanja added that UNOC is working closely with the Ministry of Finance to mobilize funds for key enabling infrastructure such as roads, ICT systems, and water sources to support the construction phase. She revealed that once completed, the park is expected to create about 35,000 jobs.
The Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary, Irene Batebe, confirmed that all affected persons on the industrial park land have been compensated, clearing the way for smooth implementation.
“Nothing will stop us from moving as planned. Our resettlement process was very successful,” she said.
The announcement came during a tour of the oil fields in Buliisa and Kikuube districts by the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, alongside the Ministry of ICT Permanent Secretary, Aminah Zawedde.
Nakyobe commended progress at both the Tilenga oil project in Buliisa and the Kingfisher project in Kikuube, urging public servants to maintain professionalism and efficiency to help President Museveni deliver on his commitments.
“Our president has led us well. I urge public servants to deliver on their mandate because when services improve, people will have confidence in government and the President will be able to fulfil his pledges,” Nakyobe said.
On her part, Zawedde called on young people to promote a positive image of the oil and gas sector to attract more investors.
“When the sector has good publicity, it becomes easier to bring in investors who can create jobs for our youth,” she said.
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