By Peter Abanabasazi
The oil developments in Bunyoro region have led to a positive change of the face of the region, religious leaders have observed.
Oil deposits were discovered in Bunyoro in 2006. Since then, oil firms and government have set up well pads, an airport and constructed access roads through communal grazing areas. In instances where they have damaged properties, oil firms have paid compensation rates to property owners set by the chief government valuer.
Rv. Canon Francis Barongo, the secretary general Bunyoro Inter-Religious Council says several developments which had never existed in history of Bunyoro has been achieved.
This was during a meeting organized by CNOOC and Total E&P (joint venture partners) in collaboration with Kitara Development Initiative to update religious leaders on issues of oil and gas development.
However, he says the sector has also had negative impacts on the region citing land conflicts, land grabbing and illegitimate acquisition of titles by officials who are non-indigenous in the Albertine basin as well as environmental degradation among others which he says need urgent intervention.
Paddy Semu, a geologist from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development commended the JV partners for the engagement which he says, helps the public to get right information related to oil and gas..
David Kagoro, the CNOOC community relations manager says several projects will be set up once the Final Investment Decision-FID is in place.
