The well was then shut in for pressure build-up prior to further flow testing. This round of testing is expected to be concluded over the weekend.

Subsequently, further flow tests will be conducted on the two other identified hydrocarbon bearing horizons in this well.

Testing on all three zones at Waraga-1 is estimated to take about 14 days.

Waraga-1 was the second well Hardman drilled in Uganda, following the Mputa oil discovery well. Its third well, the Mputa-2 appraisal well was also successful.

Following testing at Waraga-1, the future program at Mputa will be determined, according to Hardman managing director and CEO Simon Potter.

“The Hardman-operated exploration program in Uganda has delivered the first oil flow not only for Uganda but also in East Africa, south of the Sudan,” Potter said.

“The hydrocarbons flowing to surface from the first of three potentially productive zones in a single well give further grounds to establish the commercial potential of the region. These zones are represented in the other wells, which is indicative of the areal extent of these sands and play systems.”

But Hardman’s exploration program in Uganda was still at an early stage, Potter said.

“Over the next 18 months we look forward to more fully appraising the potential of this licence, including the highly prospective area under Lake Albert, where geological analysis suggests there is significant further upside potential.”

Equities in Block 2 are: Hardman (operator) 50% and Tullow Oil 50%.