The Tilenga Project, operated by TotalEnergies in partnership with CNOOC and UNOC have reached a significant milestone with the successful relocation of the final Project Affected Person (PAP).
This marked a crucial step in the land acquisition process for the oil and gas activities, with 99% of the approximately 5,900 PAPs
compensated and relocated since the process began in 2017.
The relocation, which occurred on May 13, 2024, follows a comprehensive engagement process and legal proceedings. The final PAP, who had consistently refused to relocate despite multiple offers and engagement efforts, received compensation exceeding the value of their assets on
the 0.791-acre land in Kirama Village, including structures, crops, and trees.
They were also provided with a 30% disturbance allowance, a 30% uplift, and a modern replacement house
equipped with solar power and rainwater collection systems.
This extensive compensation package, exceeding local and international standards, demonstrates the project’s commitment to fair and transparent land acquisition practices.
The Tilenga Project prioritizes minimizing disruption to affected communities and
ensuring that all PAPs adequately compensate for their losses and inconveniences.
Despite the comprehensive compensation and resettlement efforts, the final PAP’s repeated
refusal to relocate necessitated legal action by the government.
Before this action, numerous
stakeholders were involved in discussions with the PAP, including the Chief Government Valuer, project developers, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, officials from Buliisa District Local Government, the Office of the Resident District
Commissioner, and local clan leaders.
Following a thorough judicial process, an eviction order was granted on May 9, 2024, paving
the way for the successful relocation four days later. The PAP’s subsequent appeal to the court for a stay of execution was dismissed.
This achievement underscores the Tilenga Project’s dedication to responsible resource development, environmental stewardship, and positive social impact. The project remains committed to engaging with local communities, ensuring their concerns are heard and
addressed throughout development.
