"Work at Kingfisher oilfield halted following fatality" 8 October 2023

The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has halted oil drilling activity by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Uganda Ltd over safety concerns following a fatal incident at the Kingfisher oil field...

Friday’s motor accident claimed the life of a security guard at the gate of one of the contractor's camps in Buhuka, Kyangwali sub-county in Kikuube District. It is reported that the unidentified security guard was crushed by the truck when he opened the gate to grant it access after searching it...

“This regrettable incident follows several safety incidents that this Authority has previously brought to the attention ofCNOOC Uganda Ltd. This trend is unacceptable as it compromises the safety of personnel and damages the reputation ofthe sector,” PAU executive director, Ernest Rubondo, said in the letter dated October 6, 2023...

Gloria Ssebikari, the manager of corporate affairs and public relations at PAU, said the suspension is not likely to take long therefore it will not affect the time expected to see the first oil flow in2025.

“We shall issue more information and we don't expect the suspension to be on for long time so activities shall go on aslong as they don't compromise the safety and security," Gloria Ssebikari said.

Amina Nabukenya, the manager of corporate affairs and public relations with CNOOC Uganda told New Vision that meetings with relevant authorities are going on and promised to avail information anytime...