(Kampala) – The Ugandan government reports that over 800 individuals affected by the Tilenga oil project have been successfully resettled as part of the ongoing efforts to manage the impacts of oil extraction activities in the region.
According to Beatrice Akori, the Minister in charge of economic monitoring, the resettlement was carried out under the Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs). The affected persons, known as project-affected persons (PAPs), are from Buliisa, Hoima, and Kikuube districts. They received income-generating starter packs during a ceremony at Kibambura Playground in Buliisa, marking the conclusion of land acquisition and resettlement activities.
The minister noted that a total of 5,553 PAPs, or 99.5%, have received full compensation, which includes 235 individuals who have been physically resettled. These efforts comply with national laws and international standards regarding resettlement processes.
TotalEnergies EP Uganda has played a significant role in supporting these individuals through transitional support and livelihood restoration initiatives aimed at enhancing their living conditions. Over three years, PAPs have been provided with agricultural inputs and support services to improve their production and income.
The resettlement progress was highlighted during a recent event on October 16, 2024, which was attended by the Minister of State for Mineral Development, Phiona Nyamutoro. This event coincided with a visit from a team representing the Economic Monitoring and Research division of the President’s Office, along with officials from the Ministry of Energy, to assess the developments in the Industrial area, Central Processing Facility, and the drilling sites in the South Nile, specifically at Gunna and Ngiri wells, as well as the crude oil storage site.
The Tilenga oil project aims to drill over 450 wells on 35 well pads, with an estimated production capacity of 230,000 barrels of oil per day once operational. This production will come from multiple oil fields, including Kingfisher, Jobi Rii, Ngiri, Kasamene-Wahrindi, Gunya, Nsoga, and Kigogole.
During the event, Minister Akori commended the Ministry of Energy for effectively coordinating work at Kabalega Industrial Park. She noted that construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and the International Airport is progressing well, with teams working diligently to meet project deadlines.
“The commitment shown has assured me that good progress is being made,” she stated, expressing optimism about the ongoing physical works at the site. Akori also thanked President Yoweri Museveni for his leadership in the oil sector, emphasizing that the project will enhance revenue collection and contribute to the socio-economic transformation agenda outlined in the NRM manifesto.
