Oil drilling spells disaster for Uganda

12-08-07

MPs and environmentalists have warned of ecological and social disasters if oil drilling companies do not put measures in place to safeguard the environment. Dr Aryamanya Mugisha, the executive director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), said: "We need mitigation measures in place."
At same ceremony, former tourism minister Prof. Edward Rugumayo presented a paper recommending that oil exploration companies work with environment agencies to avert the dangers. He stated that the Albertine rift valley is regarded as one of the most ecologically sensitive areas with two parks -- Bwindi and Rwenzori national parks -- categorised as heritage parks. Other attractions include Queen Elizabeth National Park, crater lakes, hot springs, Semliki Game Reserve and Bugoma Central Forest Reserve.

The area also contains 51 % of bird species, 30 % of Africa's mammal species, 19 % of the amphibian species and 14 % of the plant and reptile species. Rugumayo said oil exploration and development can affect the environment and protected areas in ways such as pollution, which could lead to diverse effects on wildlife.
"But throughout the duration of company's activities, no significant impacts to protected areas have been noticed. The several wildlife and biodiversities within these areas are living in harmony with petroleum activities and this is expected to stay as such during development and production stages," he said.

Fred Kigyagi, the deputy chairperson of the Natural Resources Committee of Parliament, said land pressure will be exacerbated with people displaced as many others from different parts of the country rush to the oil drilling areas to harness the benefits. Kigyagi also criticised the issue of confidentiality that is embedded in the agreements on oil.
"I do not understand why the companies and Government should encourage secrecy if what is being done is of mutual benefit."
Moses Mapesa, the executive director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, said the concept of sharing revenue from tourism related activities that have benefited local communities should also apply to the oil revenue.

Bulisa MP Stephen Birahwa urged the oil companies to cater for the minority groups such as the Bagungu that will be affected.
"We need a comprehensive plan for resettlement of the local people who are going to be displaced," he said. He asked environmental bodies and oil companies to work more with the World Wide Fund for Nature and the World Conservation Union saying that such global organisations have a good understanding of conflict. He said the two institutions have worked in the area addressing conflict resolution and implementing poverty reduction programmes.
 

Source: http://allafrica.com / New Vision