Civil society organisations under the StopEACOP Campaign have criticized an assessment commissioned by TotalEnergies on its land acquisition programme for the Tilenga oil project in Uganda, describing the report as lacking independence and credibility. The Tilenga development will supply crude to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline which is designed to transport oil from western Uganda to international markets. The project has been widely contested by environmental groups and community advocates.

TotalEnergies commissioned Canadian consultancy Land and People Planning Ltd to conduct the assessment in the districts of Buliisa, Hoima and Kikuube. The report concluded that the company had addressed the core elements of the land acquisition programme and demonstrated commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. However, the StopEACOP Campaign argues that the independence of the study is questionable and that the report appeared to be designed to improve the company’s public image rather than provide a rigorous independent review. Activists also argue that the assessment does not address allegations of coercion, intimidation and pressure faced by communities asked to release land for the Tilenga project. Civil society groups have cited documented cases including the eviction of 42 families in Buliisa district following a court order issued before compensation payments were completed.

TotalEnergies responded by stating that in February 2026, over 99% of compensation agreements had been signed and paid for the Tilenga project. TotalEnergies also noted that the project strives not only to restore affected livelihoods but endeavors to improve them where possible through livelihood restoration support and training. Regarding the references in the publication to “the eviction of 42 families” (corresponding to 32 land parcels) in the Buliisa district, TotalEnergies stated that the land acquisition process was carried out on behalf of the Ugandan and Tanzanian governments in close collaboration with specialized partners and local stakeholders. It was done in accordance with national laws, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and IFC Performance Standards 5 and 8. In accordance with Ugandan law, TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU) applied compensation rates approved by the Chief Government Valuer (CGV) and District Land Boards (DLBs). Rates for landed properties and permanent buildings were determined on the basis of market analyses conducted by an accredited appraiser and approved by the CGV. Rates for crops and temporary structures are set by the DLBs (Land acquisition process (page 14 to 21)

A full statement from TotalEnergies is attached below