By; Ben Musanje

10th Sept. 2020

 

Two research reports on oil exploration in the country have been released today highlighting major risks of oil projects led by French energy giant Total in Uganda and Tanzania that would affect  at least 12,000 families to lose land and endanger sensitive and vital ecosystems.

 

The reports titled ‘Empty Promises down the Line?’ researched by Oxfam and ‘New Oil, Same Business?’ researched by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI).

 

Sheila Muwanga, the FIDH Vice President says both reports offer community driven recommendations of urging oil companies and governments who are on the verge of making their final investment decision for the pipeline constriction that starts in March 2021, to undertake measures that avoids a human and environmental disasters.

 

FHRI Executive Director Livingston Sewanyana while launching both the reports at the foundation headquarters in Nsambya urged both government and companies to consider the voices of the communities and the findings when implementing oil development in the Albertine region.

 

However, Harrison Asaba one of the community member in Buliisa district accuses Total Oil company for not compensating several homesteads that were not in the range of 300 meters from the wells but instead forcing them to vacate their lands.

 


Thursday 10th September 2020 06:15:15 PM