Oil deal damaging for Uganda. (BBC)
February, 16, 2010
A secret deal between a UK oil firm and the Ugandan government could be doing more good than harm to the people and the environment. A lobby group which brought this to light said Tullow oil struck an agreement with the government of Uganda without providing for the environmental or social impact of oil extraction in the country. Tullow oil has denounced the allegations, saying its company will not sign a deal without ensuring environmental protection.
Oil drilling in African countries is always accompanied with conflicts of some sort. Nigeria is a typical example of oil drilling becoming a curse upon the nation. Oil wealth in countries like Nigeria, Angola, Algeria and other African countries have not benefited the populace and the country as a whole. The lobby group has urged Uganda to renegotiate the deal with the UK oil giant to protect the environment and the economic growth of the country.