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The final four houses were handed over yesterday, 15th October 2024, at Kibambura Playground, marking the conclusion of land acquisition and resettlement activities under the Tilenga Project’s Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) 2-5.
At the event, over 800 PAPs from the districts of Buliisa, Hoima, and Kikuube were provided with income-generating starter packs to support their long-term livelihoods.
The ceremony was attended by local leaders, community members, and key government officials, with Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, Minister of State for Minerals, officiating the event.
During the handover, Hon. Nyamutoro commended TotalEnergies for their commitment to improving the living conditions of the resettled families.
"The provision of start-up kits alongside the resettlement houses symbolises the Government and TotalEnergies EP Uganda’s dedication to restoring livelihoods and empowering communities," she said.
Nyamutoro noted that the 100 land titles were handed over to ensure that each resettled family has secure tenure and a stable home.
"This is important in ensuring that every resettled family has secure tenure, a stable home, and the means to rebuild their lives," Nyamutoro added.
TotalEnergies EP Uganda has been keen on ensuring that PAPs receive more than just physical compensation. According to Ms. Mariam Nampeera-Mbowa, Deputy General Manager of TEPU, the company’s approach to resettlement includes robust livelihood restoration initiatives designed to enhance household income.
“Sustainability is at the heart of our strategy and operations with the wellbeing of communities as a key pillar. TotalEnergies EP Uganda is therefore committed to ensuring that PAPs have the opportunity and support to restore and improve their livelihoods,” Nampeera-Mbowa explained.
Through its various initiatives, TEPU has supported PAPs with agricultural inputs, financial management, and business capacity training. Those who underwent vocational training in skills such as electrical installation, mechanics, plumbing, and hairdressing were given starter packs to launch income-generating activities. "With these kits, they will be able to indulge in income-generating activities," said Nampeera-Mbowa.
The resettlement houses handed over to the PAPs feature modern amenities, including energy-efficient kitchens, solar power systems, and rainwater harvesting tanks. The houses, which range from two to four bedrooms, are designed to improve the living standards of the displaced families. Nampeera-Mbowa emphasised that all PAPs were treated with respect and compensated fairly in line with national laws and international standards.
Concerns
While the event was a celebratory one, some local concerns were raised by area leaders including Buliisa District Woman MP, Norah Bigirwa Nyendwoha.
Hon. Beatrice Akello Okuri, Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, responded to concerns about wild animals from national parks attacking local communities.
She assured the attendees that the government was discussing solutions at the cabinet level.
"The government will fence off areas that surround the national parks so that the animals don’t stray into our communities," she noted. Additionally, she promised to liaise with the Minister of Lands to address the issue of land titles for the people of Buliisa, ensuring they receive certificates of customary land ownership.
Dr. Kabagambe Kaliisa, the Presidential Advisor on Oil and Gas, praised TEPU for the progress made but encouraged the company to engage in discussions with locals about accommodation facilities.
"I understand that you decided to house most of your staff in your camps for better management, but I think this is a discussion you should have with the communities," he stated, referring to the expectations of locals who had built accommodations hoping to house workers.
Dr. Joseph Kobusheshe, Director of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the well-handled resettlement process.
"I thank TEPU for delivering this important milestone, which has resulted from a lot of support and efforts from different government institutions," he remarked.