What Uganda should do to ensure smooth oil and gas production

On September 10, 2020, the Host Government Agreement (HGA) for the East Africa Crude Pipeline project (EACOP), was signed between the government of Uganda and Total Uganda following the sale of Uganda’s assets by Tullow Oil to Total. 
The agreement marks yet another step towards commencement of oil and gas production in the country. It follows a series of events that have occurred over the years since the discovery of oil in Uganda. The agreement also signifies construction of an oil pipeline from Hoima District to Tanga port. Uganda’s oil resources are estimated to be more than six billion barrels with a revenue projection of $2 billion per year. In light of these discoveries, Uganda faces tremendous prospects of employment opportunities, increased tax revenue, foreign exchange and acquisition of tenders to Ugandans. The local communities in the Albertine region will benefit from infrastructural and business growth. 
Despite the numerous gains, there is need to pay attention to the negative impact of the project, particularly to locals living in the production region. A quick look at oil exploring countries in Africa indicates they have encountered social-environmental challenges. For example, Nigeria, one of the leading oil exploration countries,  has experienced more than 5,000 oil spillage incidents from the time oil production commenced. This has caused the release of more than 3 million oil barrels into the environment (NDDC 2006). 
The spills have impacted people’s livelihoods through affecting the PH value of soil, which gradually affected crop yields and caused migration of residents to greener pastures. A study by Mobil Producing Nigeria 1998, revealed that high concentration of oil in water bodies impaired water quality and reduced aquatic life. An estimated five to 10 per cent of the Nigeria mangrove ecosystem, has been wiped out by oil spillage. One thing is that Uganda’s experience will be no different from that of other oil and gas producing countries. It is against this that I seek to draw attention on our preparedness to handle the negative impacts the project could cause. 
Oil and gas extraction causes destruction of vegetation, noise which disrupts birds, release of emissions into the atmosphere, etc. Fishing and bird watching are some of the activities taking place along Lake Albert. Aquatic animals like hippopotamuses and crocodiles are habitants in the lake. Farming is also conducted in the Albertine region. The region is also home to Murchison Falls National Park, which hosts many animals that attract tourists. These and many other activities could be affected by this project. To this end, Total should endeavour to address loopholes that could cause social and environmental impacts. The welfare of local communities must be prioritised. Environmentally friendly chemical alternatives should be used during production and waste should be handled appropriately to impede negative impacts on the biodiversity of affected areas.
It has been realised that most spillages occur during transportation of crude from one location to another. Therefore, frequent monitoring of pipelines should be done to detect leakages, break-up of pipelines and avoidance of tank overflows. Emphasis should be put on observance of rules by the technical staff and low emission power generators should be used. Whenever spills occur, quick action should be taken to curb severe pollution of land, water bodies, animals and other living organisms. 

Jacqueline Nalukwago works with OPM. 
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