Development of Communities in the Albertine Region: A Case Study of Buseruka Sub-County, Hoima District.

Abstract

NYAKATO WINNIFRED (2011- M092-20042) Oil Discovery: Prospects for Socio-Economic Development of Communities in the Albertine Region: A Case Study of Buseruka Sub-County, Hoima District. The study was about oil discovery: Prospects for socio- economic development of communities in the Albertine region, a case of Buseruka sub-county in Hoima district. The study established the anticipated social and economic benefits of oil discovery and exploitation, and the challenges faced by the community during oil exploration. The research was conducted using a qualitatve approach and a case study as the research design. A sample of 45 respondents was studied and data was collected using focus group discussions and interviews. Interviews were conducted on officials from Tullow oil, KHEDA a civil society organisation plus local leaders. Focus group discussions were conducted on the local community members. Purposive sampling was used on the selection of respondents. Data was analysed using Colaizzi framework by first organising the data that had been collected into themes, and then an examination of the meaning of the information collected was carried out. The study findings revealed that expected economic benefits included business opportunities, increased revenue for the government and the social benefits as improvement of social services, employment opportunities as well as infrastructural development. It was further revealed that during oil exploration people have encountered a number of challenges such as reduction in farming due to the displacements, restriction on fishing when oil companies are conducting their surveys, low compensations that are not commensurate with peoples‟ property, prostitution is on the increase with oil company workers, population increase which has increased pressure on the resources and displacements which have made people to take long to adapt to new environments. Land grabbing was also cited and this has caused fear and panic among residents to sell their land in fear of land grabbers. It was recommended that the Government should set standard measures on compensations to all those affected by the oil exploration. Also the community should be sensitised on the activities of oil exploration. Key Words: Development, Communities, Hoima District