Oil Exploration:

Abstract

The critically analyze oil exploration: the legal implications of oil exploration on environmental sustainability in Hoima district. The study hinged on the following objectives: to critically and rationally analyze the law on environmental management in Uganda in relation to oil and gas activities in the oil rich Hoima District, to examine the challenges to the practical application of the legal provisions pertaining to the law on environmental management in the oil rich District of Hoima, to analyze and make a comparative analysis of the current situation, obstacles and opportunities that exist in Uganda and other oil producing nations in Africa, and to establish the best strategies for sustainable oil exploration for better environmental protection in Hoima district. The study adopted a cross sectional design and purely qualitative approaches. A sample of 58 out of 64 respondents was used. The sampled respondents included Residents of Hoima, District Employees, Oil Company Officials and Officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. The data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and secondary data. The data was analyzed using content thematic analysis. The key issues on sustainability in the oil sector like adherence to health, safety and environmental regulations and increasing the contribution of oil activities to the society in Hoima have not been addressed as noted by 80% of the residents. Findings revealed that residents of Hoima are only recipients of decisions, policies and directives. They have not ably participated in processes that form and inform oil resource management but are now recipients of polluted substances. The residents lack information on oil management and also do not know where and how to access information related to oil management. In situations where Hoima residents have been invited to meetings, dialogues and workshops related to oil, they are only informed about pre-determined decisions and policies. There is limited information available to the key stakeholders on oil and gas, and the government is yet to develop the capacity of the key stakeholders at the district and community level to effectively engage in the oil sector. However, there are challenges of coordination and capacity among the stakeholders to help combat pollution and harmful environmental degradation activities. There has also been limited involvement of local governments, civil society and communities in providing the oversight role in relation to monitoring of oil and gas exploration activities. There is also limited engagement between oil companies and the community, even though oil companies have community liaison officers on matters of environment and environmental sustainability in Hoima. Therefore, it is important for oil companies to strengthen the functionality of this sector by effectively engaging the community when addressing their concerns. Oil companies should also incorporate their corporate social responsibility projects in the district development plans, and work hand in hand with local government and communities to implement planned development projects. On the other hand, government should be prompt in the clean-up of the affected areas, by enacting and enforcing stringent environmental laws that will protect oil producing areas. NEMA and other government agencies should ensure adequate public participation in the EIA process as required by the law. Public education campaigns should be undertaken to ensure that the public is aware of their right to access information and participate in decision-making processes.