Kampala — THE Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has raised objections to the drilling of 10 more wells in Murchison Falls National Park by Heritage Oil.

"We received the environmental impact assessment from NEMA and we have raised our concerns in writing," UWA boss Moses Mapesa told The New Vision yesterday.

"We object to the drilling of the ten wells at the same time. It has to be phased. We cannot have such a big number of camps in the park."

Conservationists and tourism stakeholders earlier expressed concern that drilling a big number of wells simultaneously would chase away the animals and the tourists.

Some of the animals, experts say, might flee northwards, into the villages of Amuru district, since vegetation in the eastern part of the park is unsuitable for them.

According to Mapesa, the oil company also needs to explain what it intends to do with the soil that comes out, which is contaminated.

"We need to know how the effluents will be disposed of. Either you remove the toxic chemicals from the soil or you remove the soil safely."

According to Mapesa, the effluents of the two wells, which have already been drilled have not yet been removed.

"They must tell us how they will deal with the current problem and how they intend to deal with the problem at the next action. Until we have answers to these questions, we cannot approve the new wells."

NEMA, the environmental body, said it had received UWA's comments and it was integrating them into their study.

"We are reviewing the environmental impact assessment and this will be concluded early next week. We have to make a decision based on the environmental aspects and the concerns raised by all stakeholders," said NEMA coordinator Wasswa Ayazika.

Asked if he thought the exploration work needed to be phased, Wasswa said there was need to justify that decision.

Another source said NEMA plans to organise a high-level technical meeting on October 13 with officials of the ministries of energy and environment, the oil companies, conservation and tourism stakeholders to discuss the concerns.