In 2021, the Ugandan government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, enlisted Xcalibar, a Spanish-based company, to conduct mineral exploration in the Teso and Karamoja regions, as well as in Lamwo, part of the Acholi sub-region. The results from these surveys laid the groundwork for the recent announcement by the State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Mr. Sidronius Okaasai, that crude oil deposits have been discovered in Teso.
While this discovery has generated excitement at the national level, it has also sparked fear and uncertainty among many local residents, particularly those who are already in disputes over land ownership with the government.
A significant concern among the residents is that much of the land in Teso is not officially titled but is instead held under customary ownership. With only a small number of landowners possessing formal land titles, many people fear that only those with registered titles will be compensated under the government’s oil compensation program. This situation has left many feeling anxious about their chances of benefiting from the potential wealth the oil could bring.
The lack of transparency surrounding the exploration process has further fueled distrust. Critics argue that the government’s secrecy regarding both the mineral deposits and the exact locations of the oil is a sign of poor governance and a lack of commitment to open communication with the public.
The oil discovery has also become a politically charged issue, dividing opinions between opposition leaders and those in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Opposition politicians are questioning the government’s refusal to disclose more detailed information about the oil reserves, further fueling the debate.
Historically, government-led projects like this have often led to the displacement of local communities, leaving many homeless or displaced as their land is repurposed for national development projects. As a result, there is a growing concern that the people of Teso may not benefit from the resources found beneath their land.
