Effect of Upstream Stage of Oil Exploration on Property Rights in the Albertine Graven Region

Abstract

<jats:p>This study investigates the effect of the upstream stage of oil exploration on property rights in the Albertine Graben region, focusing on the impact of oil exploration activities on local households in the Bullisa and Hoima districts. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a representative sample of 335 households, alongside 18 key informant interviews with local leaders, security officers, and government workers selected for their in-depth knowledge of the issue. Analysis revealed a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.336, indicating that 31.2% of the variability in property rights violations can be attributed to the upstream stage of oil exploration. The ANOVA results demonstrated a significant positive effect of the upstream stage on property rights, with an F-value of 12.177 and a p-value of 0.003, indicating that upstream activities substantially contribute to the infringement of property rights. These findings underscore the need for effective policy measures to address the challenges posed by oil exploration and safeguard the rights of affected communities, while also highlighting the necessity for further investigation into additional contributing factors</jats:p>