## 5 Conclusions  
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the geological evolution and petroleum systems of the Albert Rift, Uganda, integrating seismic, well, and outcrop data with data from the literature, and using Basin and Petroleum System Modeling (BPSM) to provide a detailed tectonostratigraphic framework for the rift. Key findings include the following:  
1. The identification and characterization of depositional units and structural features, forming the basis for a refined tectonostratigraphic framework outlining the temporal and spatial evolution of the Neogene rift basin. The significant influence of rift propagation on basin architecture and stratigraphy, which governs the distribution and quality of source, reservoir, and seal rocks, with major implications for petroleum systems. Four distinct phases of subsidence, with well-defined timing, are documented in the TRC model, providing an important milestone for reconciling previous tectono-sedimentary models. Geochemical analysis indicates that Mid-Moocene sediments were deposited in favorable lacustrine environments conducive to source-rock formation. BPSM results demonstrate the hydrocarbon generation and expulsion processes, with thermal maturity increasing northwestward toward the depocenters. These findings suggest that the Mid-Moocene lacustrine source rocks in deeper basin areas began generating and expelling hydrocarbons from the Middle to Late Pliocene, while those in shallower regions have only recently entered the oil window. The study further shows that sediments in the northwest reached the oil window earlier than those in the southeast, which would be consistent with regional structural dips. This study lays a strong foundation for future exploration in the Albert Rift, offering valuable insights into the timing and mechanisms of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion. The integration of stratigraphic and petroleum system analyses provides a comprehensive understanding of the controlling factors, which are applicable to similar rift basins worldwide. Notably, the evidence suggests that younger source rocks, post-dating the Mid-Moocene, are unlikely to have generated or expelled hydrocarbons. As such, the existing stratigraphic models that suggest a Mid-Moocene lacustrine rift are likely more accurate than those proposing a younger rift initiation. This investigation further suggests that future exploration efforts should focus on the Southern Lake Albert sector, where petroleum generation and expulsion potential remain highly promising, despite the lack of commercial discoveries to date. The study underscores the effectiveness of BPSM in resolving stratigraphic uncertainties in frontier basins with limited data, demonstrating its role in harmonizing divergent geological interpretations. It further supports models advocating for an Early Miocene basin initiation, one followed by Mid-Moocene rifting and lacustrine deposition, and contrasts with Late Miocene initiation models, which do not align with the calibrated results. This work advances the geological understanding of the Albert Rift and exemplifies the value of integrated basin analysis. Future research should focus on refining stratigraphic correlations and investigating deeper, untested strata to further assess hydrocarbon potential. Conceptualization, L.T. and K.L. ; methodology, L.T. and K.L. ; software, S.W. and H.A.R.H. ; validation, K.L., K.J. and T.S. ; formal analysis, L.T. ; investigation, L.T. ; resources, K.J. ; data curation, L.T., M.S. and S.W. ; writing--original draft preparation, L.T. ; writing--review and editing, K.L. ; visualization, L.T. ; supervision, K.L. ; project administration, K.L. ; funding acquisition, K.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. This work was supported by the Major Research Project on the Tethys Geodynamic System of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 92055204). Not applicable. Restrictions apply to the availability of these data.