Moses Mapesa, Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), seeks to allay fears that the discovery of oil and gas in protected areas will lead to the closure of these areas to the detriment of the wildlife or tourism.

In the past two years there has been debate on whether the activities surrounding the discovery of oil and gas in the Lake Albert, Murchison Falls and Lake Edward areas would lead to the degazzetment of Conservation Areas and the migration of wildlfife. Recently rumours spread that part of the Murchison Falls National Park would be closed to tourism following proposed further oil exploration. Moses Mapesa states that 'there will be no degazzettment of any protected area or any part of it because of oil exploration or production and there will not be any disruption of tourism activities. No protected area or part of a protected area will be closed and no animal has migrated or is likely to migrate because of oil activities per se'.

A study commissioned to assess whether oil exploration and ultimately production can be undertaken alongside nature conservation and to address any aspects of natural resources management and socio-economic issues concluded that it is possible to undertake oil production within a wildlife protected conservation area without adverse impacts as long as mitigation measures are implemented.

Monitoring for oil impacts is being carried at many levels by relevant agencies. 'Following the report of the technical team in May communication to the oil companies operating in Murchison was dispatched directing immediate actions on observations made then'.

Moses Mapesa concludes by requesting 'that we work together to conserve our natural heritage, harness the oil and use it to improve our livelihoods and also ensure that generations to come can still enjoy our natural heritage long after the oil is finished'.

(Extract of story written by Moses Mapesa, New Vision, 25th August 2009 - full story can be found online by clicking here)

Comment -  UCF supports the Uganda Wildlife Authority in its work and in August 2009 signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cover their  joint activities.

UCF acknowledges the benefits that should be seen for Uganda and its people from the discovery of oil deposits and has witnessed exploration work in some of the areas in which it operates. UCF wishes to take a balanced view and will continue to monitor any positive or adverse effects for the communities, wildlife and the environment in its project areas and draw these to the attention of the appropriate authorities.