TotalEnergies completes land acquisition and resettlement for Tilenga project

A group of residents from the Buliisa area expressed optimism that the Tilenga oil project will have a greater impact beyond the housing and support services provided so far, especially if they are continuously engaged.

This sentiment was shared on the sidelines of an event at Kibambura Playground, Buliisa district, on Oct.15, organized by TotalEnergies.

At the event, over 800 Tilenga Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) under Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) 2-5 from Buliisa, Hoima, and Kikuube districts were confirmed to have received income-generating starter packs, marking the conclusion of land acquisition and resettlement activities.

Mariam Nampeera-Mbowa, TotalEnergies’ Deputy General Manager, confirmed that 5,553 PAPs, including 235 physically resettled individuals, have been fully compensated in line with national laws and international standards.

TotalEnergies EP Uganda has also implemented transitional support and livelihood restoration programs, providing agricultural inputs and services for three years, as well as financial management, business capacity, and vocational training.

Nampeera emphasized that sustainability is central to TotalEnergies’ strategy, with community well-being as a key focus. The company closely monitors and supports PAPs to strengthen food security and income diversification through skills development and entrepreneurship.

On the same day, vocational training beneficiaries received starter packs in trades like electrical installation, auto mechanics, construction, plumbing, hairdressing, catering, and computer skills.

Phiona Nyamutoro, Minister of State for Minerals, officiated the event, formally handing over the final batch of resettlement houses and land titles, ensuring all physically displaced PAPs are housed and titled.

Nyamutoro highlighted the government’s and TotalEnergies’ commitment to restoring livelihoods and empowering communities through these starter kits, which will help families embark on new economic activities.

She reiterated the resettlement initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, aiming for long-term self-sufficiency and community inclusion in resource development.

Also in attendance were Beatrice Akori Akello, Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, and Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa, Presidential Advisor on Oil and Gas and former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.