Empower Nema to do its work
On October 22, New Vision reported that National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) proposed that a marine oil pipeline be established in Buliisa District. Nema wants to ensure that conservation takes place in spite of the establishment of oil Tilenga projects as it is mandated under Regulation 21(2) of 1992.
Besides, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations gives the executive director of Nema power to call for public hearing where there is a controversial project that has trans-boundary impact.
Looking at the proposed oil Tilenga projects, it is very controversial and is most likely to have trans-boundary impacts ie the project will be drawing water from Lake Albert, which is a trans-boundary resource between Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
There are also aquatic animals, which are trans-boundary which will also will also be affected by the project since there no clear boundaries between DRC and Uganda. The livelihood of the fishing communities both in Uganda and DRC are more likely to be affected both directly and indirectly.
Also talking about biodiversity, all these Tilenga proposed projects are going to take place in Murchison Falls National Park, River Nile, Lake Albert, Bugoma and Budongo forests, which are both trans-boundry and a sensitive ecosystem area.
It is unfortunate that as government and oil companies are finalising major oil decisions that will have long-lasting environmental and social impacts, there is no specific provision in the current laws, including the 1995 National Environment Act, the Uganda Wildlife Act and others that specifically empowers Nema to reject oil activities even in the most critical biodiversity areas cited above. Nema should use its powers not just for issuing certificates of approval for oil projects, but also compel Parliament and government to complete the new environmental laws and regulations
Most disappointing is that the only entrusted government institution that is mandated to protect and conserve these ecosystems, is poorly funded. For instance, it cannot excise its obligation and call for public hearings for the Tilenga proposed project, which is the only solution that can provide adequate information/public views and enable all stakeholders to participate in decision making of a such controversial and trans-boundary impact.
I call upon government and Parliament to ensure that Nema gets adequate resources to effectively play its role better. Nema should organise public hearings in relation to Tilenga projects at national and local level and mostly especially in Nwoya, Buliisa, Hoima, Kampala and other areas to ensure transparent and effective participation of the citizens in the decision-making process on the Tilenga oil project.
