The Environmental Challenges In The Oil Rich Albertine Graben: A Critical Analysis Of The Legal Framework.
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Date
2015-11
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Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Law.
Abstract
Uganda announced the discovery of commercially viable amounts of oil deposits in 2006. This
was followed by much jubilation as oil is expected to uplift Uganda’s economy from fangs of
poverty and transform her economic development. However the discovery of oil has occurred
within the Albertine Rjft region, which is one of the richest biodiversity hotpots. Unfortunately,
at the time the oil exploration starte 4 Uganda did not have the requisite law and Personnel with
requisite technical skills to manage the sector. The law in existence at the time was so
inadequate to address the environmental challenges associated with the oil and gas sector. In
2013, Parliament enacted the Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Act and
the Petroleum (Refining Conversion, Transmission and Midstream Storage) Act to regulate the
upstream and midstream operations respectively. These laws oblige players in the oil and gas
sector to uphold environmental management principles and to design measures to conserve the
environment It encourages a serf regulation model, which seems not to be working as some oil
companies are dumping oil wastes in total disregard of the environment and the health of the
surrounding community members. Petroleum activities have so far led to biodiversity destruction
leading to climate change, which has forced animals to flee their habitats due to noise The
community has also suffered the blunt of this climate change because migrating animals have
ended up destroying their gardens. The noise generated by tracks and other seismic equipment,
has also affected their sleep hence health implications. Equally, the National Environment Act
and the regulations made there under have not been updated to bring them in conformity with
environmental challenges associated with the oil and gas sector. The study therefore, among
others, recommends that government strengthens the institutional capacity, both in terms of
technical expertise and financial capacity in order to achieve a close monitoring and auditing of
activities of oil companies to ensure that they are in line with sound environment management
practices. There is also urgent need to review and update the National Environment Act and all
regulations relevant to the sector.
Description
A Thesis Submitted To The School Of Post Graduate Studies Of Kampala International University In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirements For The Award Of The Degree Of Master Of Laws.
Keywords
Oil Rich Albertine Graben, Legal Framework., Environmental Challenges in OIL