TOTAL EQUIPS BULIISA PROJECT AFFECTED PEOPLE WITH INCOME GENERATING TOOLS

By Innocent Atuganyira

KAMPALA:
Total Energies EP Uganda on Monday reiterated its commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth through income generating activities by the Tilenga project community.

The company has provided start-up kits to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) under Resettlement Action Plan 1 (RAP 1) to set up income generating activities in a bid to elevate their ability to sustain their livelihoods.

The support rendered through the start-up kits follows the completion of various vocational skills training programmes by the PAPs.

This support is being provided as part of the Company’s strategy and commitment to empowering the PAPs through a Global Livelihood Restoration programme aimed at restoring, transitioning, and improving their livelihoods by leveraging available household livelihood resources post-resettlement.

This programme is also in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No poverty), 8 (Decent work and Economic growth) and 10 (reduced inequalities).

The start-up kits were identified and procured for 104 PAPs under the different categories of vocational programmes: 12 tailors, 5, Hairdressers, 70 mechanics, 5 plumbers, 6 caterers, and 6 Welders.

Ms Mariam Nampeera Mbowa, Deputy General Manager, TotalEnergies EP Uganda says the company is conscious of its responsibility to support the economic upliftment of the Tilenga host community and most especially the project affected persons.

‘’Our commitment to fulfil this responsibility has consistently been shown through the delivery of various initiatives under our Global Livelihood Restoration programme that is consistent with international standards and requirements,’’ she said.

The company’s Deputy General Manager explains that the start-up kits are a symbol of this commitment and will go a long way in boosting the self-sustainability and household incomes of the PAPs.

TotalEnergies EP Uganda has also supported PAPs under RAP-1 with various agricultural programmes such as provision of high-yield cassava cuttings, beehives and harvesting gear to set up apiary projects, vegetable farming and enabled the formation of Village Local Saving Associations.

This is in addition to other social programmes such as the construction of the Kirama water project and the construction of the new Avogera Health Centre III.