Plizio Visual Lab

Kingfisher Oil Field

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Kingfisher Oil Field is situated on the southeastern shores of Lake Albert in the Kikuube District of Western Uganda. It is one of the two major development areas within Uganda's oil sector, operated by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) in partnership with the Uganda National Oil Company. Geologically located within the Albertine Rift, the field requires sophisticated drilling techniques to access the oil-rich sediments beneath the lake bed. To minimize the environmental impact on the lake's ecosystem, CNOOC utilizes directional drilling from onshore well pads. The infrastructure includes a Central Processing Facility (CPF) designed to stabilize the crude oil before it is transported via pipeline to connect with the Tilenga project and eventually the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The development has already spurred significant local infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of a permanent access road down the steep escarpment. Kingfisher is expected to be a major source of national revenue and provide numerous opportunities for local content and job creation in the petroleum industry.

Location: Uganda
Nearby: Lake Albert (41 km)

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	27	26	25	24	24	24	24	24	24	24	25
Rain mm	33	38	91	113	107	62	65	99	127	146	121	62

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

One of the main oil fields in the Lake Albert region, crucial to Uganda's emerging oil industry. It plays a central role in unlocking the country's oil reserves and driving economic development.

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Visiting

The oil field is a highly secured industrial site, not open to the public. Viewing is only possible from outside, for example from surrounding hills or public roads at a safe distance.

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Where to view it

A public road running along the edge of the concession area provides a limited view of the drilling rigs and infrastructure. From higher points on the Lake Albert shoreline, the facility can be seen in the distance.

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Local products

No products are sold directly at the oil field, but in surrounding villages and markets near Lake Albert, local produce is offered. Travellers can buy fresh fish from the lake, cassava, bananas, and other agricultural products from the region.

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Active season

Oil production at the Kingfisher field is continuous, with exploration and drilling phases being more intense depending on project progress. The highest activity typically occurs during dry periods when drilling operations are easier to carry out.

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Nearby

Combine a visit with a trip to Lake Albert to explore the landscape and fishing communities. Nearby Murchison Falls National Park has spectacular wildlife viewing and boat trips to the waterfalls.