Tilenga Project: TotalEnergies Publishes Independent Assessment of the Land Acquisition Program in Uganda

TotalEnergies, operator of the Tilenga Project in Uganda through its affiliate TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU), has released the results of an independent assessment conducted by Land & People Planning Ltd. The review examined the land acquisition, resettlement, and livelihood restoration program associated with the Tilenga Project, along with an action plan developed by TEPU based on the report’s recommendations.

The independent evaluation was carried out following a commitment made by TotalEnergies in 2024. The assignment was originally given to Lionel Zinsou, who later informed the company that he would be unable to complete the mission due to personal health reasons. TotalEnergies acknowledged and expressed gratitude for his initial involvement in the process.

The assessment, conducted across the districts of Buliisa, Hoima, and Kikuube, reviewed all key elements of the land acquisition program. According to the report, the program was carried out in accordance with the project’s land acquisition and resettlement commitments and aligned with International Finance Corporation Performance Standard 5, with no significant systemic shortcomings identified. Furthermore, the report states that “compensation, replacement house handover, and a majority of livelihood mitigations have been completed and that the Project is now well positioned to transition toward Resettlement Action Plan closure.”

1. Livelihood restoration: continued monitoring in 2026 to ensure completion and uptake of training and support measures (agronomic practices, post-harvest equipment, business start-up packs).
2. Support to vulnerable households: tailored assistance for potentially vulnerable households, in coordination with local government services.
3. Grievance management: strengthened tracking and communication tools, including FAQs and key messages to ensure consistency and transparency.
4. Engagement and disclosure: a focused engagement plan dedicated to Resettlement Action Plan closure and livelihoods programming closure.
5. Gender considerations: integration of gender-disaggregated data into closure datasets and reporting.
6. Closure: initiation of the formal closure process, to be followed by an independent third-party closure audit.

“The publication of this independent report and the associated action plan demonstrates our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. We remain fully committed to completing the program in line with international standards and to continuing our contribution to local development”, said Nicolas Terraz, President Exploration & Production of TotalEnergies.