Over 47,000 Ugandans trained in road safety

At least 47,000 individuals in Uganda’s oil-rich Albertine region were reached with road safety awareness messages in 2024, according to the Tilenga Human Rights Report 2024 released by TotalEnergies EP Uganda. The report, unveiled under the theme “Human Rights and the Communities,” in collaboration with civil society, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and various non-governmental orgnaisations, underscores TotalEnergies’ commitment to sustained community engagement. 

It also emphasises the company’s efforts to translate human rights commitments into tangible actions for both workers and local communities. The Tilenga oil development project has been both a source of opportunity and concern, with environmental and social challenges highlighted as the lead operator, TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU), strives to uphold human rights while fostering community development.

The report outlines progress on land acquisition, cultural preservation, women’s rights, and community safety in the context of the ongoing Tilenga oil development project in Buliisa and Nwoya districts. “By December 2024, project land acquisition was 99 percent complete, with grievance management processes now digitised and accessible in local languages,” the report stated. 

The company registered significant strides in promoting accountability, training more than 1,700 security personnel on the voluntary principles on security and human rights, and conducting more than 451 road safety sessions. Additionally, the report highlights the empowerment of 125 women in Ngwedo Sub-county through vocational skills training and startup kits in tailoring, catering, and financial literacy. In terms of cultural heritage, more than 180 graves and 12 shrines were relocated in 2024, with no grievances recorded, which the report describes as “a respectful handling of cultural rights in collaboration with communities and authorities.”

“These annual human rights reports have become reference documents, demonstrating our accountability to stakeholders and how we are translating our commitments into action,” said Mr Philippe Groueix, the general manager and country chair for TotalEnergies Uganda. One of the most sensitive aspects of the Tilenga project has been land acquisition. By December 2024, TEPU had completed 99 percent of the land acquisition process, ensuring that grievance management processes were digitised and accessible in local languages. This approach has streamlined the process, making it more transparent and inclusive. “TEPU has undertaken land acquisition processes by stringent International Finance Corporation (IFC) standards, ensuring fair compensation for affected populations,” the report states.

It further indicates the implementation of measures to avoid, mitigate, and offset environmental impacts, particularly within the sensitive Murchison Falls National Park ecosystem. The Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA), initially published in 2022, continues to guide TEPU’s interventions. The 2024 report includes translations of key documents in Alur, Lugungu, Runyoro, and Acholi to enhance community access to information. Additionally, TotalEnergies responded to 18 written grievances and conducted 58 awareness sessions on its updated grievance management process.

Human Rights

Regarding workers’ rights, the report notes expanded training for contractors and the introduction of the “Workers’ Voice” platform, enabling anonymous feedback on workplace conditions. Gender-based violence was also a focus area, with 34 cases addressed in 2024, supported by a structured referral mechanism for victim support.