Plizio Visual Lab

Tilenga Oil Project

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

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The Tilenga Oil Project is the largest petroleum development in Uganda, encompassing several oil fields in the Buliisa and Nwoya districts. Operated by TotalEnergies in collaboration with CNOOC and the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), the project spans both the northern and southern banks of the Victoria Nile. A significant portion of the development is situated within or adjacent to the Murchison Falls National Park, necessitating stringent environmental safeguards and advanced engineering to protect the local biodiversity. The plan involves drilling over 400 wells from a limited number of well pads to minimize the surface footprint. Once extracted, the oil will be processed at a major Central Processing Facility (CPF) in Buliisa before being pumped through the 1,443-kilometer East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) to the port of Tanga in Tanzania. Tilenga is a cornerstone of Uganda's economic transformation, expected to generate billions in investment and revenue, though it remains under close international scrutiny for its environmental and social impacts.

Location: Uganda
Nearby: Murchison Falls National Park (54 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jun, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	29	28	27	26	25	25	26	26	25	25	26
Rain mm	29	36	96	112	109	76	82	113	141	158	119	59

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Tilenga Oil Project in the northern reaches of Lake Albert is a massive industrial endeavor aimed at extracting Uganda's natural energy resources. This large-scale development is a major driver of national economic transformation.

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Visiting

Given the extreme safety protocols and strict corporate security measures, the vast construction sites and extraction zones are entirely off-limits to casual visitors and tourists. Entry is strictly restricted to authorized project personnel.

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Where to view it

Because of the project's massive geographical footprint, major infrastructural developments and drilling rigs can frequently be spotted on the horizon from nearby public roads or while boating on Lake Albert.

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Local products

The influx of workers has stimulated local commerce, meaning the markets in surrounding towns now offer a bustling mix of traditional regional produce alongside everyday goods catering to the large industrial workforce.

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Active season

Site development and operational activities run continuously around the clock, 365 days a year, though the heavy logistical traffic and surface-level movements are most prominent during daylight hours.

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Nearby

Witnessing the sheer scale of this industrial undertaking from afar provides a fascinating contrast when paired with a wildlife safari in the adjacent, spectacular Murchison Falls National Park.

Geography

Coordinates

2.05000, 31.41670

Facts

Mainly operated by French energy major TotalEnergies
Covers multiple oil fields in Buliisa and Nwoya districts
Involves the drilling of over 400 wells across the project area
Primary source for the 1,443km East African Crude Oil Pipeline
Development sites are partly located in Murchison Falls National Park
Includes a massive Central Processing Facility located in Buliisa

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bunyoro Escarpment27 km · SWExplore →

Budongo Forest Reserve34 km · WExplore →

Murchison Falls36 km · NEExplore →

Kibiro Salt Producing Village39 km · SWExplore →

Kinyara Sugar Works45 km · NWExplore →

Murchison Falls National Park54 km · NEExplore →

Mahagi54 km · SEExplore →

Nebbi55 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Tilenga Oil Project (1)

BUGUNGU HERITAGE AND INFORMATION CENTRE MUSEUM🏛 museum

The Bugungu Heritage and Information Centre Museum preserves the unique cultural artifacts and rich traditions of the local Bugungu people.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Tilenga oil project?

An extensive infrastructure project to develop oil resources in western Uganda.

Where is it located?

It is in the Nwoya and Buliisa region, near Murchison Falls National Park.

Does it affect tourism?

Industrial development takes place in coordination with nature reserves.

Can the area be visited?

The adjacent national park is a top destination for wildlife viewing.

When is the best time for safaris?

During the dry months of January and February, visibility is best.

Tilenga Oil Project: where is it located?

Tilenga Oil Project is located in Uganda.

Tilenga Oil Project: when is the best time to visit?