Government Commences Seismic Data Acquisition for Oil Exploration in Kasuruban Block, Bunyoro

The Government of Uganda, through the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), has commenced seismic data acquisition activities in the Kasuruban Contract Area (KSCA), marking another milestone in Uganda’s upstream oil and gas development.

The Kasuruban block, which spans across Hoima, Buliisa, and Masindi districts, is the largest of the five oil blocks that were announced by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development during Uganda’s second licensing round in May 2019. It covers a total area of 1,285 square kilometers within the resource-rich Albertine Graben.

Following the signing of a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) on February 2, 2023, the Government granted UNOC an exploration license for the Kasuruban block under the Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Act, 2013.

To execute the 2D seismic data acquisition for this area, UNOC has contracted Oriental Geophysical Company Limited, also known as the Bureau of Geophysical Prospecting (BGP), a Chinese firm with extensive global experience in geophysical surveys.

Speaking to Hoima district leaders on Monday, UNOC’s Social Development Specialist, Robert Mukondo, said that the contractor is currently being introduced to various stakeholders as part of preparatory engagements with the communities. The data acquisition will cover areas from Kibiro-Lunga, through Waki and Butiaba, up to Kigwera along the rift valley.

“The contractor will use controlled-source seismic methods involving explosives. These will be deployed with minimal disruption to communities and with utmost care for safety,” Mukondo said.

He noted that all activities are being guided by the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report, which was submitted to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in June 2025. The ESIA outlines environmental safeguards and community engagement protocols to be followed during the exploration phase.

Ronald Kagwa, the Exploration Manager at UNOC, emphasized that the activity would have a limited environmental impact. “There will be no heavy civil works involved. We’re committed to working hand-in-hand with the communities and ensuring their property and environment are protected throughout the process,” Kagwa said.

Local leaders have welcomed the exploration initiative but called for increased participation of residents and strict adherence to environmental and social safeguards.

Hoima Chief Administrative Officer Emmanuel Ssempala urged the exploration team to prioritize local content. “Local communities must be involved not just as observers but as active participants through jobs, services, and regular updates,” he said.

Meanwhile, Joselyn Nyangoma, the Hoima District Natural Resources Officer, cautioned against compromising the region’s biodiversity. She specifically pointed out the need to protect Lake Albert, which remains a critical livelihood source for fishing communities in the Rift Valley. “Restoration of affected areas must be prioritized after the acquisition process as per the ESIA guidelines,” she added.

As Uganda continues to expand its oil and gas footprint, the Kasuruban project represents a strategic move to harness untapped potential in the Albertine Graben while balancing environmental sustainability and community involvement.