The Effect Of Community Knowledge, Perceptions And Practices On The Implementation Of Oil And Gas Projects In Uganda:

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the effect of community knowledge, perceptions and practices on the implementation of oil and gas projects in Uganda taking the case of Kabaale International Airport, Hoima district. Specifically, it assessed the effects of community knowledge, perceptions and practices on the implementation of oil and gas projects in Hoima district. Primary data was collected from 391 respondents in Buseruka Subcounty of Hoima district which hosts Kabaale International Airport. Statistical package for Social Sciences software was used to analyse quantitative data while thematic and content analysis techniques were employed to analyse qualitative data. The study results show that community knowledge had a weak positive effect on the implementation of the Kabaale International Airport in Hoima district (B=0.457). The Linear regression results show that community perceptions had a weak positive effect on the implementation of the Kabaale International Airport Project in Hoima district (B=0.419). Lastly, community practices had a moderate positive effect on the implementation of the Kabaale International Airport Project in Hoima district (B=0.519). In conclusion, the study confirms that there is a statistically significant relationship between community knowledge, perceptions, practices and the implementation of oil and gas projects, particularly Kabaale International Airport. The study therefore recommends that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and oil companies should invest in information-sharing platforms including radios and information centres for community members to access information on oil and gas project developments. A special commission for resolving land conflicts in the Albertine region of Uganda should be established. Lastly, there is a need for incentives to promote agricultural activities in the form of farm inputs to community members living in oil-rich districts.