According to a recent report by Human Rights Watch, residents affected by the construction of TotalEnergies’s $4-billion pipeline project in Uganda have received inadequate compensation. The pipeline, spanning 897 miles from Uganda to the Tanzanian coast, is designed to transport up to 246,000 barrels of oil per day upon completion. TotalEnergies claims that the compensation process adheres to the laws of the host countries and complies with international standards regarding land acquisition and involuntary resettlement.
However, the Human Rights Watch report highlights the concerns of affected residents who believe they have not been fairly compensated for their displacement. The report raises questions about the effectiveness of the compensation mechanisms and whether they adequately address the loss of livelihoods and disruption to communities caused by the pipeline project.
In light of these findings, it is crucial for all stakeholders involved, including TotalEnergies and the governments of Uganda and Tanzania, to ensure that affected communities are provided with just and equitable compensation. It is important that the compensation process is transparent, inclusive, and conducted in line with international human rights standards.
Addressing the concerns raised by Human Rights Watch will be essential to ensure the protection of the rights and well-being of affected residents and to uphold the principles of responsible and sustainable development in Uganda’s energy sector. The Ugandan government and TotalEnergies should engage in dialogue with affected communities to address their concerns and work towards finding mutually beneficial solutions that prioritise the rights and welfare of the people impacted by the pipeline project.