The discovery of oil in Uganda presents an opportunity for the country to promote the common good for the benefit of the citizens especially the over 7.5 million Ugandans who have remained trapped in abject poverty for decades.
The efforts of the government and companies have helped to open community roads, build pipelines, a refinery and other developments. If well used, they will translate oil into billions of revenues for equitable development.
Oil belongs to all Ugandans. Host communities beginning with the over 7,118 women, children and men of Kabaale parish-Hoima district who are being displaced to create space for the construction of an oil refinery must be given timely and adequate compensation and resettlement to respect their social, economic and environmental rights.
