TotalEnergies has released an independent assessment of its land acquisition and resettlement program for the Tilenga project in Uganda, confirming that the initiative largely aligns with international standards as the project moves toward formal closure.
The report, conducted by Canadian firm Land & People Planning Ltd, evaluated operations across the Buliisa, Hoima, and Kikuube districts.
It concluded that the program met the requirements of IFC Performance Standard 5, finding no material systemic deficiencies.
Between 2022 and late 2024, the Tilenga project acquired approximately 2,108 acres of land, impacting 4,954 households and resulting in the relocation of 205 primary residents.
According to TotalEnergies, over 99 per cent ****of compensation agreements have been signed and paid and all resettlement houses have been constructed and handed over to residents.
The assessment noted that the project is now well-positioned to transition toward the final closure of its Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).
While the audit was favourable, TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU) has adopted a targeted action plan to address the firm’s remaining recommendations.
Key focus areas for 2026 include continued monitoring of livelihood restoration, such as agronomic training and business start-up support, and providing tailored assistance to vulnerable households in coordination with local government services.
The company also plans to strengthen its grievance management systems and integrate gender-disaggregated data into its final reporting to ensure a transparent exit from the resettlement phase.
“The publication of this independent report demonstrates our commitment to transparency,” said Nicolas Terraz, President of Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies.
“We remain fully committed to completing the program in line with international standards.”
TotalEnergies confirmed that an independent third-party audit will eventually be conducted to verify the final closure of the program.
The Tilenga project is operated by TotalEnergies, in partnership with CNOOC and UNOC. It includes the development of six fields and the drilling of around 400 wells from 29 locations.
Production will be delivered through buried pipelines to a treatment plant built in Kasenyi, for the separation and treatment of the fluids.
