STORY: :: Kampala, Uganda
:: January 1, 2026
Uganda’s main opposition candidate Bobi Wine said he would review the country’s agreements with international oil firms if he won next week’s election.
:: File
Uganda expects to start commercial crude oil production later this year when fields run by France’s TotalEnergies, China’s CNOOC and Uganda National Oil Company come online.
“We shall study all agreements. And any part in those agreements that does not favor Ugandans will definitely be revised.”
:: File
Wine, a former pop star, is challenging President Yoweri Museveni for the second straight election.
Uganda discovered the oil 20 years ago and its oil reserves are estimated at 6.65 billion barrels.
But production has been repeatedly delayed by disagreements between international firms and the government, as well as opposition from environmental activists.
Wine criticized Western allies for continuing to support Museveni’s government despite crackdowns on opposition supporters.
:: File
He said he had been beaten twice by security forces during campaigns and blocked from campaigning in certain areas.
Eighty-one-year-old Museveni has ruled Uganda for 40 years.
Opponents accuse his government of violently repressing its critics, allegations the authorities deny.