Civil society raises concern over unfair compensation of oil affected persons

Civil society organizations and leaders in the oil-rich districts of the Albertine graben, have raised concerns about the undervaluation of project affected persons when it came to compensation.

They  said that while many complaints have been made, oil companies often delay addressing them, causing frustration until people give up.

During the dissemination of a report on enabling the business and human rights agenda in Albertine graben by the Ministry of Gender, CSOs and district leaders  noted that there was unfair compensation for project affected persons, characterized by undervaluation.

Gilbert Tibasanga, the Buliisa vice chairman says, while there was undervaluation, when people attempted to get to the oil companies to seek for fairness, they were not given ear, but also the language used in the papers was foreign and many had to sign without understanding what they were signing, even when companies hired translators.

“In the law when it comes to compensation, you are supposed to put the consent forms, compensation agreements in the language people understand on paper, not just getting someone to translate.  Many signed not knowing what they were signing, while those that didnt accept compensation, their land was taken forcefully," Tibasanga noted

Paul Mulindwa, the executive director for Kitara civil society organization network notes that  according to their findings, many even ran to court, but they were caught up the 60 days  time frame.

“You see when it comes to law, the 60 days after compensation award is very important, but look, you are dealing with illiterate people and by the time they find lawyers, gather evidence and all that,  the 60 days are done. During that time, what would be evidence is washed away and taken by events. It is a challenge but oil companies need to be considerate while dealing with illiterates,” Mulindwa said.

Benard Mujuni the commissioner for equity in the ministry of gender labor and social development says, besides tangible compensation which was also not fair, none of the companies compensated people for the intangible values like African identity, culture, memories which is supposed to be considered.

“While we also push for fair compensation on tangible properties, there is need to push for the intangible values like culture and  memory. You  know those moments when women would gather and work together in harvesting millet, digging, but also look at old women they get support like fetching and firewood by community members, all that is supposed to be compensated because they are going to a new place where they have to take time copying up with the environment. Losing  touch with people you have lived with for life, is not easy and therefore,  it has to be paid for. If  not done, it’s an abuse of human rights,” Mujuni remarked.