TotalEnergies has released an independent report evaluating its land acquisition and resettlement program in Uganda, related to the Tilenga Project. This review, commissioned from the Canadian firm Land & People Planning Ltd, analyzes the actions of TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU) between 2022 and 2024 in the Buliisa, Hoima, and Kikuube districts.
The report concludes that the program was executed in accordance with commitments made and following the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standard 5. According to the evaluated data, the process involved the purchase of over 2,100 acres affecting nearly 5,000 households, achieving over 99% compliance in signed and paid compensation agreements and 100% delivery of replacement housing.
External Evaluation of the Tilenga Project and Next Steps
The publication of this report fulfills a commitment made by TotalEnergies in 2024. Initially, the mission was entrusted to Lionel Zinsou, who was unable to complete it due to health reasons. Nevertheless, his contribution was acknowledged by the company.
In accordance with the report’s recommendations, TotalEnergies will implement a new action plan focused on five pillars. First, it will continue monitoring livelihood restoration in 2026, with agricultural training, business support, and input delivery.
Second, assistance to vulnerable households will be strengthened in coordination with local authorities. Third, complaint management mechanisms will be optimized, including new communication tools. Fourth, a community engagement plan focused on the closure of the Resettlement Plan will be deployed. And fifth, gender considerations will be integrated into the closure reports, culminating in an external audit.
Source and photo: TotalEnergies