Lionel Zinsou, a former Prime Minister of Benin, has been appointed to assess the land compensation processes conducted by TotalEnergies Exploration and Production in Uganda and Tanzania. This evaluation pertains to the land acquisition for the Tilenga oil and gas projects in Buliisa and Hoima Districts, as well as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline from Hoima to Tanga in Tanzania.
TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné described Zinsou as a recognized expert in African economic development and highlighted his role in evaluating the land acquisition program and associated socio-economic development initiatives in both countries.
Land acquisition has been a contentious issue, with environmental and human rights activists opposing the oil and gas industry’s development in Uganda. Legal battles and petitions have been filed, alleging violations of environmental and human rights, especially in the context of the Tilenga and EACOP projects.
Residents along the pipeline route have raised concerns about land takeover before receiving due compensation, a claim contested by both TotalEnergies and the government. The mission led by Zinsou aims to assess the land acquisition procedures, consultation conditions, compensation, relocation, and grievance handling mechanisms.
The report, expected by April 2024, will be shared with project partners, including Cnooc Uganda, Uganda National Oil Company, and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation. The Tilenga and EACOP projects involved the acquisition of 6,400 hectares, impacting 19,140 households and communities, with 775 primary residences requiring relocation.
According to TotalEnergies, significant progress has been made, with 98 percent of households signing compensation agreements and 97 percent receiving compensation. Among households to be relocated, 98 percent have taken possession of their new homes.
