UGANDA, Hoima | Real Muloodi News | Lionel Zinsou, the former Prime Minister of Benin and founder of the investment bank SouthBridge, has been appointed to assess the oil land compensation processes undertaken by TotalEnergies Exploration and Production in Uganda and Tanzania.
This evaluation pertains to the land acquired for the development of the Tilenga oil and gas projects in Buliisa and Hoima Districts, as well as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) from Hoima to Tanga in Tanzania.
TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné, recognising Zinsou as an expert in African economic development, emphasised his role in evaluating the land acquisition program and the socio-economic development initiatives associated with it in both countries.
The land acquisition process has been a focal point for environmental and human rights activists opposing the oil and gas industry’s development in Uganda.
Legal challenges have been mounted in Uganda, the East African Community, and France, alongside appeals to institutions like the Vatican and efforts to rally financial institutions against the projects, citing alleged violations of environmental and human rights.
Numerous residents along the pipeline route in Uganda have raised concerns about their land being taken over before receiving due compensation.
Although TotalEnergies and the government deny these claims, residents accuse the contracted companies handling compensation programs of providing false information to the oil companies.
As the land acquisition process nears completion, Zinsou’s mission will comprehensively evaluate the procedures involved, including consultation conditions, compensation, relocation of affected populations, and the grievance handling mechanism.
The assessment will also scrutinise the initiatives taken by TotalEnergies EP Uganda and EACOP to enhance the living conditions of those affected by land acquisitions, with recommendations for additional measures if necessary.
The report from this evaluation is expected by April 2024 and will be shared with the project partners, including Cnooc Uganda, Uganda National Oils Company, and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, involved in the Tilenga and EACOP projects.
The two projects required the acquisition of 6,400 hectares, impacting 19,140 households and communities holding or using land plots, including the relocation of 775 primary residences.
TotalEnergies reports that 98% of the affected households have signed compensation agreements, with 97% having received their compensation.
Among households to be relocated, 98% have taken possession of their new homes. The evaluation led by Zinsou aims to provide transparency and address concerns surrounding land acquisition and compensation in the oil and gas sector, fostering responsible and sustainable practices in the industry.
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