The well was intended to determine the lateral extent and potential of the upper oil-bearing reservoir encountered in the Mputa-1 discovery well 3km away. It was also designed to target the potential for extensive stratigraphic trapping of the thicker lower zone.

Despite meeting both of these goals, Hardman said it had yet to decide whether to case the hole for future production.

While the well confirmed the lateral extent of the upper reservoir sands, this interval appeared to be water-wet, the Perth-based company said. A coring sample will be analysed to determine reservoir parameters useful for assessing production potential at Mputa-1.

“The widespread lateral extent of this unit is encouraging for the potential of the Mputa-1 discovery,” Hardman chief executive Simon Potter said.

Hydrocarbon shows were also encountered in sands in the lower target zone of Mputa-2 and oil samples have now been recovered.

“While this sequence appears to have a reduced nett:gross and thus thinner potential reservoir units compared with the equivalent sands encountered at the Mputa-1 location, the presence of both reservoir and oil at such a step-out is highly encouraging for the exploration of the extensive basin,” Potter said.

“Results from Mputa-2 will be combined with those from the Mputa-1 and Waraga-1 oil discoveries to determine the reserve potential, commerciality and potential development plans for the fault block.”

Mputa-2 reached a total depth of 1344m on the weekend, shallower than the planned 1500m depth, as all horizons were intersected higher than expected.

He said planning was also underway for the drilling of additional exploration/appraisal wells and the acquisition of further seismic data.

Meanwhile, testing equipment is being mobilised to flow-test the Waraga-1 oil discovery – expected to start mid-June.

Potter said the company was currently at a very early stage in the exploration of this “new and exciting” basin.

“We already have two oil discoveries and now a successful appraisal well that has confirmed lateral extension of the reservoirs, the presence of hydrocarbons deeper into the basin and a valid migration pathway from under Lake Albert,” he said.

“This information will now be integrated into our regional understanding for future exploration and appraisal of larger structures under the lake as well as further drilling later in the year onshore.”

The Block 2 Ugandan joint venture comprises Hardman and Tullow Oil (both 50%).