TotalEnergies marks Chinese New Year with renewed sustainability commitment

2026-03-23 - 13:25

TotalEnergies Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to a sustainable energy future as it pursues its multi-energy ambition of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with a focus on efficiency, innovation and community collaboration. The commitment was highlighted during a Chinese New Year dinner, marking the year of the Fire Horse held at Arirang Hotel and Restaurant last week and celebration of the Chinese ‘loyalty’ towards TotalEnergies ‘ product portfolio. Speaking at the event, Joseph Wechuli, finance manager at TotalEnergies Marketing Uganda, said sustainability is closely tied to operational efficiency and responsible resource use. He noted that improving efficiency across operations reduces costs, minimises environmental impact and enhances productivity. According to Wechuli, better lubrication practices, for instance, reduce equipment wear, lower maintenance costs and improve performance. “Sustainability is about efficiency. When operations are efficient, you reduce costs, minimise waste and improve productivity,” he said. TotalEnergy project engineer, Sydney Rugambwa emphasised the role of safety and operational discipline in achieving sustainability goals. He said adherence to simple procedures such as proper use of personal protective equipment, avoiding smoking near petroleum products, using approved containers and ensuring proper ventilation can significantly reduce health and environmental risks. He added that preventing spills, limiting exposure to fumes and protecting soil and water sources are critical to responsible petroleum handling, under the company’s safety message: “Safety for me, safety for you. Safety for all.” Rugambwa urged operators to prioritise efficiency, noting that improved equipment performance leads to lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and fewer breakdowns. “Ensuring equipment efficiency leads to less fuel consumption, optimised performance and reduced emissions. Smart lubrication lowers energy use, extends equipment lifespan and reduces downtime, while operational discipline minimises idling time and resource wastage,” he said. He also stressed the importance of proper site planning, saying small inefficiencies often translate into significant operational losses and costs. Marjorie Nankinga, lubricants engineer at TotalEnergies Uganda, said that although Uganda and China differ in culture and language, both share common sustainability ambitions. “As Uganda and China celebrate their diversity, they are also united in their sustainability goals and ambitions,” she said. As Uganda moves toward first oil, TotalEnergies, operator of the Tilenga Project, says it continues to implement environmental and social safeguards. The company recently cited findings from an independent assessment by Canadian firm Land & People Planning Ltd, which reviewed land acquisition, resettlement and livelihood restoration under the Tilenga Project in Buliisa, Hoima and Kikuube districts. The assessment concluded that the programme was implemented in line with project commitments and aligned with IFC Performance Standard 5, with no material systemic deficiencies. It also found that compensation, replacement housing and most livelihood restoration measures had been completed, positioning the project for resettlement action plan closure. Between 2022 and the end of 2024, the Tilenga Project acquired approximately 2,108 acres of land, affecting 4,954 households, including the relocation of 205 primary residents. TotalEnergies says more than 99 per cent of compensation agreements have been signed and paid, while all resettlement houses have been constructed and handed over. Based on the assessment’s recommendations, TotalEnergies Uganda plans to implement an action plan focusing on continued livelihood restoration monitoring, targeted support for vulnerable households, strengthened grievance management, enhanced stakeholder engagement, integration of gender-disaggregated data and initiation of the formal resettlement action plan closure process.