Kampala, Uganda| TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU), in partnership with the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, hosted the inaugural Tilenga Social Performance Forum at Sheraton Kampala Hotel to showcase the socio-economic progress of the Tilenga Project. Under the theme “Catalysing Sustainable Development: Sharing Value and Creating Impact,” the forum highlighted significant milestones achieved in improving livelihoods in host communities and across Uganda.
Key highlights from the report include the employment of over 9,000 Ugandans, with 3,700 recruited directly from project host communities. TotalEnergies has also procured goods and services worth USD 31.3 million from local suppliers and empowered more than 10,000 farmers through agricultural initiatives. Education benefits include hundreds of scholarships awarded and skills training provided to over 2,000 Ugandans.
Infrastructure improvements feature upgraded schools and health centers, alongside expanded access to clean energy and safe water in the affected regions.
Philippe Groueix, General Manager of TEPU, emphasized TotalEnergies’ commitment to responsible oil development, focusing on environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and economic empowerment. “Economic empowerment is central to our vision for responsible oil and gas development. Through targeted investments in vocational training, housing, healthcare, and livelihoods, we enable communities to build sustainable futures,” Groueix said. He highlighted the progress in Buliisa and reaffirmed commitment to inclusive growth as Uganda prepares for oil production next year.
Joseph Kobusheshe, Director of Environment, Health, and Safety at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, praised the forum as a demonstration of the sector’s dedication to responsible development. He noted that more than 10,000 households benefit from agricultural and livelihood restoration programs, modern resettlement homes have been built, and over 99% of project-affected individuals have received compensation.
State Minister for Energy, Sidronius Okaasai Opolot, representing the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, lauded the initiative and stressed the government’s resolve to manage oil resources transparently and sustainably for national transformation. “The discovery of oil and gas is an opportunity for national transformation. Development must be inclusive, equitable, and respectful of human dignity and environmental integrity,” he said.
The forum gathered government officials, contractors, community representatives, and development partners to exchange insights and foster collaboration. The event culminated in an awards ceremony recognizing contractors excelling in local investment, workforce training, stakeholder engagement, and grievance resolution.
The launch of the Tilenga Social Performance Report, accompanied by a photo exhibition, highlighted tangible socio-economic benefits as Uganda moves closer to its first oil production. This milestone underscores TotalEnergies EP Uganda’s ongoing commitment to sustainable and inclusive development in its operational communities.