District Community Development Officer WHY AGODA Cleophas Tiwaitu District Community Development Officer Rukungiri District

OIL and Gas: A no-go area? Initially, Local Governments were largely bystanders as far as issues to do with Oil and Gas are concerned. It would appear, that as far as Local Governments are concerned there was “no need to know much”. Was Oil and Gas a no go area? By law, among other mandates, Local Governments are required to ensure harmony and development, within their areas of jurisdiction. Local Governments operate through a decentralised legal framework that provides, as well,local governance structures. I

The Wake Up Call In some Districts, when Prospecting for Oil began, there were challenges vis: Compensation of people Protection of the environment Information on oil and gas activities taking place Due to limited interaction among different stakeholders it was difficult to achieve harmony. Some people perpetuated rumor and lies. Members of the community did not look at themselves as beneficiaries. Even corporate social responsibility in some places provided items that were not exactly needed. Yet Local government systems in place could have helped in setting the right climate. At some point, the communities started to approach Local Governments for intervention .

AGODA and the Oil Blessing The Local Governments have responded and have now included Oil and Gas activities in their workplans. The Local Governments do not only need to know, but also need to participate, and later on if the prospectors strike and Extract Oil, they need to benefit. For the purpose that the Local Governments should make a positive contribution for the benefit of all, they have formed AGODA- a united front to enable members share experiences, negotiate, lobby and advocate, and at the end of the day contribute to Oil in Uganda becoming a blessing. After all this is consistent with the Local Governments Act which provides for cooperation among Local Governments

Conclusion AGODA will enable member Districts to work together. It will enhance communication among stakeholders. It will provide a unified voice to the members. It will help in managing expectations and mitigating the impacts of Oil and gas exploration and production. AGODA is therefore good for the communities, for the Local Governments, for Central Government, and for the Oil and Gas Industry in Uganda.

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