Uganda Names Its Crude Oil “Pearl Sweet” Ahead of First Production

Uganda has officially named its crude oil blend “Pearl Sweet” as the country moves closer to producing oil commercially.

President Yoweri Museveni unveiled the name on Thursday during a visit to the Kingfisher oilfield in western Uganda.

“Pearl” reflects Uganda’s description as the Pearl of Africa, while “Sweet” refers to the crude’s low sulphur content.

The Kingfisher project is approaching completion, with first oil expected by the end of September, according to Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

The project is designed to produce about 40,000 barrels per day from the Kingfisher field.

Uganda hopes oil production will create new government revenue, support infrastructure development and stimulate wider industrial activity.

But environmental concerns remain around the wider oil development, including the heated East African Crude Oil Pipeline running from Uganda to Tanzania.