Key stakeholders from civil society, government, and the oil and gas sector have pledged to deepen cooperation and foster mutual understanding to advance best practices in business and human rights in Uganda’s extractive industry.
The commitment was reaffirmed during the 3rd Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Conference on Oil and Gas, organised by the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) in partnership with various actors, held at Protea Hotel, Kampala, on Friday, May 23, 2025.
The keynote address by Ms. Ana Maria Esteves, founder of Community Insights Group and Honorary Professor at both the Australian National University and the University of Strathclyde, delivered a compelling call to action on the centrality of social and human rights performance in business, particularly for marginalised and often overlooked communities.
She highlighted the critical yet underappreciated role of Community Liaison Officers (CLOs), who operate on the frontlines of extractive projects, managing complex power dynamics and the competing expectations of companies and communities.
“True human rights due diligence means seeing and supporting everyone, especially those often overlooked. Community Liaison Officers are at the frontline, navigating complex power dynamics and expectations. Their voices, and the communities they represent, must be central to our performance and progress,” said Ms. Esteves.
Importance of Open Dialogue
The conference emphasised the importance of open dialogue and constructive engagement in promoting learning and socio-economic development.
Mr. Ernest Rubondo, Executive Director of the PAU, noted that differences have emerged around business, social, and human rights perspectives, but it’s crucial to foster constructive engagement that promotes learning without hindering Uganda’s socio-economic development.
“We’ve made significant progress thanks to stakeholder alignment across most activities. However, differences have emerged, particularly around business, social, and human rights perspectives. It’s crucial that even in disagreement, we foster constructive engagement that promotes learning without hindering Uganda’s socio-economic development,” Mr. Rubondo said.
He further acknowledged the work undertaken by civil society actors in supporting information sharing, community empowerment, policy enhancement, and adherence to international best practices, especially in areas related to social inclusion and human rights.
Government’s Commitment to Human Rights
During the conference, the government reaffirmed its dedication to upholding human rights throughout Uganda’s oil and gas journey.
Mr. Frank Mugisha, Ag. Commissioner for the Petroleum Department at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), emphasised that human rights, environmental sustainability, and equitable benefit-sharing are non-negotiable.
“As we advance in resource extraction, human rights, environmental sustainability, and equitable benefit sharing are non-negotiable. Our development strategy must integrate social safeguards, uphold dignity, and promote justice, especially for communities in project areas,” Mr. Mugisha noted.
Industry Commitment to Human Rights
The oil and gas industry also demonstrated its commitment to human rights. TotalEnergies’ General Manager, Mr. Philippe Groueix, stressed that respect for each other is one of the core values that guides their approach to dialogue and human rights.
The company, he noted, has implemented agricultural programs that have improved livelihoods for over 11,000 people in the project area.
“At TotalEnergies, we remain committed to a culture of active listening, learning and continuous improvement. We are not here to meet minimum standards, but to strive to set new benchmarks in the responsible energy development of the Tilenga Project,” said Mr. Groueix.
Civil Society’s Role
Civil society organisations play a vital role in promoting accountability and compliance in the oil and gas sector. Mr. Bashir Twesigye, speaking on behalf of the Civil Society Coalition on Oil and Gas (CSCO), emphasised the importance of recognising the contributions of broader civil society actors in shaping dialogue and ensuring accountability.
About EACOP
Mr. John Bosco Habumugisha, the Deputy Managing Director of East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), cautioned that some youths were being misled into protests by misinformation. He reaffirmed EACOP’s commitment to transparency and engagement.
“We value the role of civil society in promoting accountability and compliance. EACOP is committed to strengthening collaboration on worker rights, grievance mechanisms, gender-responsive policies, and Business and Human Rights awareness, especially amid growing public concern and youth activism,” Mr. Habumugisha said.
CNOOC Uganda’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager, Mr. Zak Lubega, presented updates on the Kingfisher project, spotlighting community engagement strategies and a dedicated human rights management plan.
“Daily interactions with local communities and the work of Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) ensure concerns are addressed and stakeholder interests are respected,” he said.
Way Forward
The conference highlighted the need for continued collaboration and engagement among stakeholders. Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, said through a statement read for her by Mr. Mugisha, that the government is committed to institutionalising a multi-stakeholder Human Rights and Extractives Forum, supporting local government and community capacity-building, and encouraging licensees to operationalise human rights due diligence frameworks.
Ms. Ruth Ssekandi, Director of Inspections at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), shared real-life challenges encountered during oil and gas operations, from noise complaints to infrastructure strain, reinforcing the need for continuous monitoring and stronger civil society involvement.
The 3rd CSO Conference on Oil and Gas marked a significant step towards promoting business and human rights in Uganda’s extractive industry.
The commitment to enhanced collaboration and mutual understanding among stakeholders is crucial in ensuring that oil and gas development uplifts rather than undermines the rights and welfare of Ugandans.