OWC Evaluates Impact Of Government Investments In Albertine Graben

Government investments in the Albertine Graben are beginning to translate into jobs, household incomes and livelihood opportunities for communities, an assessment by the senior management of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) has found.

The assessment, however, has highlighted the need for sustained monitoring to ensure that projects supported by government remain productive and deliver lasting benefits to local communities.

The OWC Senior Management Committee, led by the Deputy Chief Coordinator, Brigadier General Godfrey Muwanguzi, made the findings after touring government-funded and supported projects across the Bunyoro Sub-region, including oil and gas developments, agricultural enterprises and livelihood initiatives.

At the Tilenga oil project in Buliisa District, Mr. Christopher Ocowun, the Public Relations and Community Coordinator for TotalEnergies’ Tilenga project, said more than 5,000 people had been compensated in areas affected by the project.

The delegation also inspected ongoing works by SINOPEC and Rig 1503 at the Bunya Two well pad, where project supervisor Bridget Mbabazi briefed officials on safety measures and well performance.

In Kijumbya Village, Buliisa, the delegation visited Emily Fuacan, a beneficiary of a government-supported beekeeping initiative. Fuacan said the 49 beehives she received had increased her household income and helped improve her family’s living conditions.

She also said access to a reliable market for her honey had made the enterprise more sustainable.

The delegation’s assessment extended to agricultural production, with a visit to the District Demonstration Farm at Ndandamire Primary School.

The 5.2-acre farm promotes diversified agriculture and practical farming skills, with production including pawpaw, watermelon, cassava, cabbage, maize, coffee, mangoes and bananas.

The projects provided OWC officials with an opportunity to assess not only their physical progress but also their ability to generate income and improve livelihoods at community level.

The assessment tour was conducted by senior OWC officials, including Brig Gen James Kaija, OWC Chief of Staff; Brig Gen Kagyezi, Regional Coordinator; Hon. Kabakumba Masiko; and other directors and officials.