Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda’s top business leaders have today issued a statement in full support of Uganda’s Lake Albert Oil and Gas Development project.
“We give our unreserved and wholehearted, support for the responsible development of the natural resources Uganda is endowed with, including the associated construction of EACOP pipeline and the Refinery. It is only through sustained economic development that Uganda will continue improving the livelihoods of its citizens,” the business leaders said in a joint statement issued today.
Uganda has in the past two months been under pressure on the international scene after an EU Parliament resolution that said the country and Tanzania should stop oil and gas development projects in the East African region.
EU lawmakers cited major environmental and climate risks posed by Uganda, Tanzania and French oil company, Total, in developing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). They said there should be an “end to the extractive activities in protected and sensitive ecosystems.”
Once completed, the Ugandan-Tanzania pipeline will be the world’s longest heated oil pipeline, stretching 1,443 kilometers (896 miles).
Uganda’s business leaders in their statement insist that, “We have confidence and trust that these projects, will be executed in compliance with both the stringent regulatory and legal framework put in place and the highest international standards (IFC Performance Standards and UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights) as already committed by the Operators. It is our view that this will ensure the projects are carried out with proper respect for Human Rights, minimum environmental footprint, conservation of our biodiversity, and full and fair compensation for land.”
FULL STATEMENT
Statement by Business Leaders on COP (Conference of the Parties) 27
1. As Ugandan private business leaders, we register our support to the Lake Albert Oil & Gas Development project which will secure the supply of Petroleum Products to our domestic market, with the construction of a refinery and the commercialization of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
The remaining production will be evacuated to the Tanzanian coast through a pipeline known as EACOP (East African Crude Oil Pipeline) which opens future opportunities including Tanzanian gas import.
2. These projects will generate the much-needed revenue for our country and for Ugandans. As a result, we should see Uganda’s gross domestic product (“GDP”) doubling in five years.
All other sectors in our country will benefit directly or indirectly from the massive investments which shall reach more than 4 Billion $ directly spent in country.
3. We have confidence and trust that these projects, will be executed in compliance with both the stringent regulatory and legal framework put in place and the highest international standards (IFC Performance Standards and UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights) as already committed by the Operators. It is our view that this will ensure the projects are carried out with proper respect for Human Rights, minimum environmental footprint, conservation of our biodiversity, and full and fair compensation for land.
4. For these reasons, we give our unreserved and wholehearted, support for the responsible development of the natural resources Uganda is endowed with, including the associated construction of EACOP pipeline and the Refinery. It is only through sustained economic development that Uganda will continue improving the livelihoods of its citizens.
SIGNED BY;
1. Elly Karuhanga
2. Patrick Mweheire
3. Charles Mbire
4. Omar Ahmed Mandela
5. Fabian Kasi
6. Japeth Katto
7. Bob Kabonero
8. Jeff Baitwa
9. Geoffrey Rugazora
10. Kin Kariisa
11. Amos Nzeyi
12. Charles Hamya
13. Jimmy Mugerwa
14. Joseph Matsiko
15. Joseline Kateeba
16. Badru Muwanga
17. Catherine Wabomba
18. Abdul M Kibuuka
19. Stephen Assimwe
20. David Otti
21. Aga Ssekalala
22. Jonan Kisakye
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