MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL DEVELOPMENT DRAFT ELECTRICITY ACCESS SCALE-UP PROJECT STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 1ST JUNE, 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................. iv EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................. v 1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................1 1.1 Description of Project Components ....................................................................................1 1.1.1 Component 1: Grid Expansion and Connectivity ............................................................1 1.1.2 Component 2: Financial Intermediation for Energy Access Scale-up .......................................1 1.1.3 Component 3: Energy Access in Refugee Host Communities...............................................2 1.1.4 Component 4: Project implementation Support and Affordable Modern Energy Solutions ................2 1.1.5 Component 5: Contingent Emergency Response ...........................................................3 1.2 Proposed Project Location..............................................................................................3 2.0 OBJECTIVES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES....................................................................................5 2.1 Objectives of the SEF ...................................................................................................5 2.2 Guiding principles of the SEF ...........................................................................................5 2.3 The EASP Stakeholder Consultation Process .......................................................................6 3.0 PROJECT SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS IMPACTS ...................................................................6 3.1 Potential Social and Environment Risks ................................................................................7 3.1.1 Negative Impacts .............................................................................................7 3.1.2 Positive Impacts ...........................................................................................9 4.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ....................................................................... 11 4.1 Relevant Policy Framework ........................................................................................... 11 4.2 Relevant Legal and Regulatory Framework .......................................................................... 13 4.3 World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standard 10 (ESS 10) ............ 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Bookmark not defined. 5.0 POTENTIAL AREA OF INFLUENCE ......................................................................................... 17 6.0 STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION ............................................................................................. 19 6.1 Key stakeholders to be consulted .................................................................................... 19 7.0 STRATEGY FOR THE ENGAGEMENT PROCESS ............................................................................. 28 7.1 Engagement process ................................................................................................. 28 7.1.1 Stakeholder Mapping and Identification ................................................................... 28 7.1.2 Public/community Meetings ................................................................................ 29 7.1.3 Communication Materials .................................................................................. 29 7.1.4 Grievance Redress Mechanism ............................................................................ 29 7.1.5 Information Desks and Field Visits ......................................................................... 30 7.1.6 Citizen/PAP Perception Survey ............................................................................ 30 7.1.7 Trainings, Workshops ...................................................................................... 30 7.2 Strategy to Incorporate views of Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups .............................................. 30 7.3 Information Disclosure and Notification .............................................................................. 31 8.0 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM ..................................................................................................... 33 8.1 Grievance Redress Mechanism by Component ...................................................................... 33 8.2 Grievance Process .................................................................................................... 35 8.2.1 Receipt of Grievances ...................................................................................... 35 8.2.2 Grievance Screening ....................................................................................... 35 8.2.3 Grievance Resolution Committee process ................................................................. 36 8.2.4 Implementing agencies resolution at central level (second stage) ........................................ 36 8.2.5 Closure of Grievances ...................................................................................... 37 8.2.6 Grievance Records and Documentation ................................................................... 37 8.3 Workers’ Grievance Mechanism ...................................................................................... 37 9.0 STEP BY STEP PROCESS IN PREPARING THE STAKEHOLDER ENGAGAEMENT PLAN (SEP) .......................... 38 9.1 Introduction/Project Description ...................................................................................... 39 9.2 Brief Summary of Previous Stakeholder Engagement Activities..................................................... 39 9.3 Stakeholder Identification and Analysis .............................................................................. 39 9.3.1. Affected Parties ..................................................................................................... 39 9.3.2. Other Interested Parties ............................................................................................ 39 9.3.3. Disadvantaged / vulnerable individuals or groups ................................................................. 40 9.4. Summary of Project Stakeholder Needs ............................................................................. 41 9.5 Stakeholder Engagement Program ................................................................................... 41 ii 9.6 Proposed Strategy for Information Disclosure ....................................................................... 41 9.7 Proposed strategy for consultation ................................................................................... 42 9.8 Proposed Strategy to Incorporate the Views of Vulnerable Groups ................................................. 43 9.9 Timelines .............................................................................................................. 43 9.10 Review of Comments ................................................................................................ 43 9.11 Future Phases of the Project ........................................................................................ 43 9.12 Resources and responsibilities for implementing Stakeholder Engagement activities ............................ 43 9.12.1 Resources .......................................................................................................... 43 9.12.2 Management Functions and Responsibilities ..................................................................... 43 9.13 Grievance Mechanism ............................................................................................... 43 9.14 Monitoring and Reporting ........................................................................................... 44 9.14.1 Involvement of stakeholders in monitoring activities ........................................................... 44 9.14.2 Reporting back to stakeholder groups .......................................................................... 44 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................... 45 ANNEX 1: EASP CONSULTATION CHECKLIST ................................................................................... 46 ANNEX 3-LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED ............................................................................... 58 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Potential risks and proposed mitigation…………………………………………………………………….………12 Table 2: Positive Impacts of the EAP .............................................................................................................................. 9 Table 3: List of EASP Stakeholders Approach for Engagement................................................................................. 20 Table 4: Responsibilities of Key Actors/Stakeholders in SEF Implementation ......................................................... 26 Table 5: Grievance Redress Mechanism ………………………………………………………………………………………35 Table 6: Project Stakeholders Needs ............................................................................................................................ 41 Table 7: Information Disclosure Channels ................................................................................................................... 41 Table 8: ESCP .................................................................................................................................................................. 42 Table 9: Consultation Framework.................................................................................................................................. 42 iii LIST OF ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS CGV Chief Government Valuer CDO Community Development Officer CPF Country Partnership Framework DCDO District Community Development Officer DMM Department of Museums and Monuments EASP Electricity Access Scale-Up Project EDP Energy Development Programme ESF Environmental and Social Framework ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework GoU Government of Uganda GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism HIV/AIDS Human Immuno-Virus/ Acquired Immunity Deficiency Syndrome HSE Health Safety and Environment SEF Stakeholder Engagement Framework ESA Environmental and Social and Assessment ESS Environmental and Social Standard LC Local Council MDAs Ministries, Departments and Agencies MEMD Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development MGLSD Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development MLHUD Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development MOFPED Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development MoLG Ministry of Local Government MoWT Ministry of Works and Transport NDP National Development Plan NEMA National Environment Management Authority NFA National Forest Authority PAPs Project Affected Persons PIU Project Implementation Unit PWDs People With Disabilities RAP Resettlement Action Plan REA Rural Electrification Agency RPF Resettlement Policy Framework SIA Social Impact Assessment UECCC Uganda Energy Credit Capitalization Company USEA Uganda Solar Energy Association UNRA Uganda National Roads Authority VMGF Vulnerable and Marginalized Group Framework VMGMP Vulnerable and Marginalized Group Management Plan WB World Bank iv EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Uganda is an attractive market for power project development, supported by the Uganda’s vision to achieve universal access to electricity by 2040. However, some recent energy generation and other development projects were stalled or halted by community opposition based on concerns over project impacts, land ownership, lack of consensus regarding benefit sharing, or a combination of these and other related issues. More to the point: sometimes project developers and communities have not engaged one another in a meaningful, timely, or productive way, leading otherwise good projects to get delayed or derailed altogether. This Stakeholder Engagement Framework guide is premised on the belief that Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Rural Electrification Agency, Uganda Capital Capitalization Credit Company and communities share mutually beneficial goals. The major project goal is to increase access to energy to all Ugandans. It may include an efficient project development cycle leading to delivery of low-cost power and a profitable business opportunity. For a community, goals may include appropriate mitigation for project impacts, compensation for land use, cultural protection, and/ or other forms of benefit sharing. Of course, all parties stand to gain from increased access to electricity and the resulting economic boost. Achieving these goals in a way that brings positive outcomes for all parties requires meaningful, consistent and empowering community engagement. This Stakeholder Engagement Framework considers community engagement to be a full suite of communication and direct interaction with impacted communities that, ideally, leads to community consent for a project. The recommended engagement activities outlined herein are rooted in World Bank Environment and Social Standards, international best practices and Ugandan legal frameworks and are tailored for use in the Ugandan cultural context. In fact, the Constitution of Uganda, as well as other national laws and regulations, contains a multitude of provisions regarding public participation and consultations. Public participation allows individuals and communities, Project Affected Persons (PAPs) to contribute to decision-making processes by expressing concerns, views, needs and values. This will be the heart of Stakeholder engagement under the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project v 1.0 INTRODUCTION The proposed Electricity Access Scale up Project (EASP) will be implemented by mainly three Government of Uganda institutions: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC). The project aims to increase electricity access to households, commercial and industrial users, public institutions in rural areas, refugee settlements, and peri- urban and urban areas, through on-grid and off-grid solutions. The project will also increase access to clean energy cooking services by supporting private sector enterprises promoting efficient and clean cooking solutions. The proposed project will be structured around five main components: (1) Grid expansion and connectivity, including investments in MV/LV network expansion and strengthening, and service connections; (2) Financial intermediation for energy access scale-up; (3) Energy access in refugee host communities; (4) Project Implementation support and affordable modern energy solutions; and (5) Contingent emergency response. This Stakeholder Engagement Framework (SEF) aims to set out principles and modalities for identifying parties that will be affected by the project as well as other stakeholders, so that a meaningful stakeholder engagement process that is compatible with the pertinent Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) of the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, can be devised once the exact locations where the project components are to be implemented are known. 1.1 Description of Project Components 1.1.1 Component 1: Grid Expansion and Connectivity This component will finance the scale-up of “last-mile� connections (household, commercial) in line with the Electricity Connections Policy (ECP), while supporting the necessary MV/LV network strengthening and extensions. This component will be implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in close collaboration with all SPs for harmonizing technical specifications and procuring distribution network and connection materials. Sub-component 1-1: Last-mile connections. This sub-component will support “last-mile� connections of both households and commercial consumers in line with the Electricity Connections Policy (ECP) and within 1 km from the existing network to maximize the number of connections to be realized with the available funds, leveraging on the high number of potential customers requiring the least amount of construction material and civil works. Sub-component 1-2: Network expansion and strengthening. This sub-component will finance network expansion and strengthening through Medium Voltage (MV) and Low Voltage (LV) grid extension, upgrades and intensification. 1.1.2 Component 2: Financial Intermediation for Energy Access Scale-up This component will provide line of credit and credit guarantee instruments for the promotion of productive uses of electricity and efficient appliances, quality-certified standalone solar systems, clean cooking technologies, and institutional solar systems (e.g., health facilities, schools). This component will be managed by the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalization Company (UECCC) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) for scaling-up modern energy access solutions for household, commercial, industrial and institutional consumers, including public institutions (e.g., health facilities, schools). This component will provide access to finance through working capital loans, micro finance, and medium-term loans to private entrepreneurs and end-users on a first-come, first-serve 1 basis to promote efficient appliances, stand-alone solar technologies for lighting and productive uses and clean cooking solutions. The Clean Technology Fund (CTF) will support the implementation of this component through the establishment of a Contingent Grant Facility (CGF), which will be managed by the UECCC and will provide comfort to participating Commercial Financial Institutions (CFIs) for on-lending to companies offering stand- alone solar and clean cooking solutions. The CGF will de-risk the exposure of CFIs to technology risk, therefore enabling private companies to raise debt at attractive terms. A detailed description of the CTF structure and implementation arrangements is provided in Annex 3. Sub-component 2-1: Financial intermediation through participating Commercial Financial Institutions. This sub-component will provide access to credit through the UECCC to the Commercial Financial Institutions (CFIs) for the promotion of stand-alone solar systems, efficient electric appliances including for productive uses such as solar water pumps, solar refrigeration units, clean cooking solutions, etc. Sub-component 2-2: Electrification of public institutions by stand-alone solar technologies. This sub- component will support electrification of public institutions (e.g., health facilities, schools) by stand-alone solar system, which are far from grid network. 1.1.3 Component 3: Energy Access in Refugee Host Communities This component will increase access to electricity and clean cooking solutions for refugees and their host communities. This component will support ongoing efforts under the leadership of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), to ensure the sustainable socio-economic inclusion of refugees and equitable access to development opportunities for social stability in Uganda. This component will be implemented by the REA (Sub-component 3-1) and UECCC (Sub-component 3-2) in close collaboration with the MEMD, OPM and relevant stakeholders. Sub-component 3-1: Grid connectivity and expansion. REA will implement this sub-component following the implementation design of Component 1 to provide access to electricity to household, commercial, industrial, and public institution consumers either through extending MV/LV grid networks or mini grids. Sub-component 3-2: Financial intermediation through participating Commercial Financial Institutions. UECCC will implement this subcomponent following the implementation design of Component 2 to promote access to renewable electricity through stand-alone solar technologies, financing of internal wiring of houses and facilities, promotion of efficient appliances for productive uses, cooling technology and clean cooking solutions in refugee settlements and their host communities 1.1.4 Component 4: Project implementation Support and Affordable Modern Energy Solutions This component will finance project implementation and enabling environment support to increase access to electricity and clean cooking solutions in Uganda. Among other activities, this component will finance the establishment of an adequately staffed Project Coordination Unit (PCU) at MEMD, and Project Implementation Units (PIUs) at REA and UECCC, through the recruitment of necessary consultancy services, capacity building activities, and operations costs. This component will be implemented by the MEMD, REA, and UECCC. Sub-component 4-1: Implementation support. This sub-component will support the GoU’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity for electrification and project implementation including environment and social safeguards, as well as implement distribution sector reforms, which are essential to increasing electricity access in Uganda. This sub-component will finance the PCU at the MEMD and PIUs at the REA and UECCC, which 2 will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight, coordination, planning and implementation of all activities under the project, as well as other TA and capacity development activities required to accelerate access to electricity and clean cooking solutions in Uganda. Sub-component 4-2: Ensuring equity in energy access. This sub-component will support private sector entrepreneurs remove certain barriers preventing them from scaling up the innovative energy technologies to promote electrification in Uganda. The grant will be provided toward removing market entry barriers, information and communication campaign costs, affordability constraint of the consumers, high operating cost to serve customers in remote areas, and so on. The grants support price setting at a level accessible to lower-income beneficiaries. 1.1.5 Component 5: Contingent Emergency Response This component will improve the Government’s ability to respond effectively in the event of an emergency during the lifetime of the project. There is a risk that during the life of the project, the Government may experience a crisis like COVID-19 or something entirely different, resulting in a request to the World Bank to support mitigation, response, and recovery measures. This component will enable a rapid project restructuring, including the reallocation of funds and disbursements if needed. 1.2 Proposed Project Location The proposed Electricity Access Scale up Project (EASP) will have a national scope and such, it will be implemented in most areas of Uganda. Energy is a vital element of Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Government of Uganda (GoU) has set a target of 60 percent electricity access by 2027 and 80 percent electricity access by 2040. The proposed EASP targets refugees and host communities through provision of increased access to electricity and clean energy cooking services. Some of the refugee major refugee centres in Uganda include: Achol-Pii, Bidi Bidi, Impevi, Kiryandongo, Kyaka II, Rwamwanja, Kyangwali and Nakivale Settlement among others (Figure 1). 3 Figure 1: Map Showing the Refugee Settlements and Host Districts/Communities 4 2.0 OBJECTIVES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES 2.1 Objectives of the SEF The objectives of Stakeholder Engagement Framework include the following: a) To establish a systematic approach to stakeholder engagement that will help implementing agencies identify stakeholders and build and maintain a constructive relationship with them, in particular project affected parties. b) To assess the level of stakeholder interest and support for the project and to enable stakeholders’ views to be taken into account in project design and environmental and social performance. c) To promote and provide means for effective and inclusive engagement with project-affected parties throughout the project’s life cycle on issues that could potentially affect them. d) To ensure that appropriate project information on environmental and social risks and impacts is disclosed to stakeholders in a timely, understandable, accessible, and appropriate manner and format. e) To provide project-affected parties with accessible and inclusive means to raise issues and grievances, and allow implementing agencies to respond to and manage such grievances. f) To devise means and ways to reduce potential negative impacts and manage negative stakeholders. g) To assess the groups that should be encouraged to participate in the different stages of the project. Implementing agencies will engage with stakeholders throughout the project life cycle, commencing such engagement as early as possible in the project development process and in a time frame that enables meaningful consultations with stakeholders on project design. The nature, scope, and frequency of stakeholder engagement will be proportionate to the nature and scale of the project and its potential risks and impacts. 2.2 Guiding principles of the SEF Stakeholder engagement is usually informed by a set of principles defining core values underpinning interactions with stakeholders. The building blocks or foundations of a good stakeholder engagement is outlined below: a) Active participation of affected parties in the process. b) The modalities of engagement to ensure its effectiveness. The project will effectively engage stakeholders in a bid to achieve a “social license� to operate and this depends on mutual trust, respect and transparent communication between implementing agencies, MEMD and its stakeholders. c) Follow up actions of the engagement process. d) Inclusive engagement is achieved when broad participation is encouraged and supported by appropriate participation opportunities by all. e) No intimidation/manipulation/coercion. f) Cultural appropriateness of the process. Cultural norms and values can prevent stakeholders from freely participating in the engagement process. Often there are also conflicting demands within a community, and it can/will be challenging for a project to identify stakeholders who are representative of common interests. This might be avoided by employing local community leaders, champions who are sensitive to local power dynamics, which requires REA, UECCC, MEMD and other project proponents to develop an awareness or identify structures to support and foster effective stakeholder engagement. This is particularly relevant to activities, which will involve members of Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups (Iks and Batwas) who will be engaged through a separate process (as part of VMGPs preparation). g) Integrity occurs when engagement is conducted in a manner that fosters mutual respect and trust. 5 h) Respect is created when the rights, cultural beliefs, values and interests of stakeholders and neighboring/host communities are recognized. i) Transparency is demonstrated when community concerns are responded to in a timely, open and effective manner. j) Two-way engagement tailored k) Involvement of all players in the implementing entity – not only the sociologists l) Stakeholder Identification and Analysis m) Information Disclosure n) Stakeholder Consultation o) Negotiation and Partnerships p) Grievance Management q) Stakeholder involvement in project monitoring r) Reporting to stakeholders s) Management Functions 2.3 The EASP Stakeholder Consultation Process The EASP SEF was developed through a consultative process. Armed with the information provided by the World Bank`s ESF, desk reviews and other studies. The team engaged in informed and constructive consultations with the different Ministries, Departments and Agencies, potential beneficiaries among others. These consultations, conducted using the form (See Annex 1), and it became very helpful in developing better understanding, concerns of stakeholders. Vulnerable and Marginalized Group consultations were undertaken through their leadership by telephone interviews using a separate tool designed for this purpose. Due to COVID 19 pandemic, physical meetings could not be undertaken but their views were captured and summarized (see Annex 2). 3.0 PROJECT SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS IMPACTS The Environmental and Social risks and impacts associated with the Uganda Energy Access Scape-up Project (EASP) will be managed under the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), 2017. Since October 1st, 2018, the ESF has provided the framework for managing environmental and social risks in all new Investment Project Finance (IPF) operations financed by the World Bank. Through its ten standards, the ESF 6 aims to protect people and the environment from potential adverse impacts that could arise from Bank-financed projects and promotes sustainable development. The anticipated environmental and social risks and impacts related to the proposed EASP include: 3.1 Potential Social and Environment Risks 3.1.1 Negative Impacts The EASP may pose some negative impacts during the implementation of the project activities. The details and mitigation measures for some of the salient negative impacts of the EASP project are discussed table 1 below. Table 1: Potential risks and proposed mitigation Potential risk A Proposed mitigation Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) EASP Implementing Agencies, Contractors and consultants will have a major Sexual Exploitation and transmission of responsibility to follow social and labor practices that prevent SEA and violence communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS on by ensuring that all workers maintain high standards of behavior through affected communities may occur as a result of effective codes of conduct and monitoring its implementation. Penalties and project activities such as construction of medium incentives for reporting inappropriate behavior will be clarified to all workers. voltage power distribution lines and substations Open, continuous and meaningful engagement with communities, making them that are usually associated with influx of a partners in risk reduction and providing the most-vulnerable individuals with safe transient labour force. Potential risks and ways to speak up, can further strengthen prevention. Should SEA occur, a mitigation measures for impacts on beneficiaries survivor-centered approach will be adopted. This support will be in line with shall be analysed in the ESMF and shall be global ethical guidelines for timely, confidential, survivor-centered care that is detailed in work specific ESMPs. responsive to survivors’ needs and preferences and seeks to protect survivors from stigma, discrimination and retaliation. Coordination and partnerships with Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD), Justice, Law and Order (JLO’s), local governments and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to mitigate against SEA. Violence against Children This will be addressed through development of the Labour Force Management There is a risk of employing people under the Plan, recruitment of workers after due diligence by the local leaders, regular age of 16years contrary to the Employment Act monitoring and enforcement of labour contracts 2006 and Amended Children’s’ Act, 2016. Air pollution Dust suppression, restriction of construction activities to daytime, vehicle Since civil works will be mainly undertaken in maintenance shall be applied to minimize the impact of Air emission during existing public infrastructures such as trading construction phase. centres, schools, health centres, markets, affected communities health and safety throughout the construction phase shall be pertinent as it can disrupt institutions such as schools through dust emission, noise and increased waste generation (solid) even chemicals used on poles for distribution networks might affect the project affected persons (PAPs) Disruption of biodiversity Disturbances on wildlife and plants will be minimised as possible during project Biodiversity conservation and sustainable implementation management of natural resources in case the distribution lines traverses in national parks, forests and wetlands. Noise, dust and access issues during Cordon off worksites and leave enough space for local community members to vegetation clearing use. Dust suppression, restriction of construction activities to day time, vehicle Much of the noise generated will be during the maintenance to minimize the impact of air emission during construction phase. felling of trees in the Right of Way (RoW) and from the operation of construction equipment 7 Potential risk A Proposed mitigation and movement of vehicles. Noise generated from such activities may have some adverse impact on the ambient noise level in the area. For most part while these are unavoidable risks, they are not considered significant because the quantity of materials required are limited to basic tower structure materials like steel, conductors, insulators and accessories. Waste and sewage entering the local The project will implement the following waste management: (i) Waste environment Reduction through promoting the use of electricity instead of firewood wherever The source of the waste will be from the possible. (ii) Waste Reuse by promoting the reuse of large plastic containers, temporary colonies of labour, and construction jars and bags wherever possible in worker campsites. (iii) Waste recycling sites. Project waste may include PET bottles, especially organic waste, which can be recycled to make compost at a suitable papers, plastics, glass, organics, metal and location. Otherwise the organic waste cans also be given to the nearest batteries. Improper segregation and dumping of household to be fed to cattle and pigs if available. (iv)Waste segregation for waste will negatively impact on the visual recycling each site (including offices, colonies and worker camps) will be aesthetics, pollute nearby streams as well as provided with at least 2 separate bins for degradable and non-biodegradable invite vectors to transmit diseases to workers waste. Only Waste that cannot be reused or recycled will be disposed. This and adjacent communities. residual solid waste will have to go to a designated landfill site, away from settlements and water sources. Conflicts The following mitigation measures shall be adopted during project The EASP may scale pre-existing conflicts implementation: between refugees and the host communities. To 1. The project will engage Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to build address this risk, a grievance redress the capacity of local committees to hold local courts for matters between mechanism (GRM) shall be developed and host communities and refugees. Awareness raising campaigns will be implemented and monitored throughout the conducted to ensure that local courts avoid adjudicating beyond their project life cycle. It is worth noting that a jurisdiction. Grievance Redress Mechanism alone cannot 2. Coordination and enhanced partnerships with existing NGO’s, UN Agencies address the project outcomes and impacts. Partnerships, MGLSD, District Local Governments and other organizations to resolve grievances. 3. The EASP project will use the “Do No Harm� conflict-sensitive approach, which focuses on reducing the negative effects to minimize the drivers of conflict and focus on energy access for all. 4. The EASP project will bridge the relations between the host and refugee communities by ensuring energy is accessed by all so that benefits are perceived as mutual and fair. Through this initiative, host communities will perceive that the welfare of the refugees is not prioritized over the welfare of the host community and refugees will not feel marginalized. These engagements can aid in grievance resolution. Neglect of key areas and target groups that The target communities and groups shall be given the first priority during project may be more in need of the project services implementation so as to avoid neglect to the target project beneficiaries. While the EASP will by and large bring the positive impacts, one of the negative impacts may be the neglect of the special target groups of the communities. Encroachment. Grid Densification around Measures to prevent encroachment on protected areas. protected areas is reported to have a tendency of increasing the encroachers in Protected Areas. 8 Potential risk A Proposed mitigation Waste generation from solar panels: The The solar distribution companies need to employ the Recycle and Re-Use solar distribution has potential environmental model. The wastes will further be managed according to the waste management degradation impacts from the waste solar plan that will be put in place by the solar dealers as a requirement. batteries and panels. Lowering of tourist value: High Voltage Power Measures to avoid, mitigate and prevent these undesirable impacts will be put lines and distribution lines lower the touristic in place. Working together with UWA, alternative designs to protect the value of value of the protected areas. This explains why tourist attractions will be sought. UWA and private investors resist power projects. Impact of the project on wildlife: Wildlife Damage to wildlife and Vegetation will be minimised as much as possible so as habitats may be affected by the EASP if it is to reduce the negative impact of the project on wildlife. implemented in CFRs and other protected areas Restrictions on land use: During the No land acquisition is expected under the project since the establishment of on- implementation of component 1 of the EASP, grid networks will consist of planting and stringing of poles, which do not require the project will put restrictions of land use within land acquisition but might cause damage to existing trees and crops. The the areas where the distribution lines will be implementing agency will be required to develop an RPF to address any impacts established. on assets and affected persons livelihoods. The project-affected persons (PAPs) will be identified, their land and crops valued and they will be compensated for their property as per the guidelines in the Resettlement Policy Framework that has been developed under the project. 3.1.2 Positive Impacts A brief description of the potential environmental and social risks and positive impacts of the Project are summarized in table 2 below: Table 2: Positive impacts of the EASP Project component Impacts Stakeholders by Project Component • Improved electricity access to the project • MoFPED, NEMA, MGLSD, MoTWA. beneficiaries that will include the MEMD, UEDCL, REA, UETCL, Component 1: Grid expansion and household and industrial consumers, MoLHUD, Business Communities, UIA, connectivity public institutions, refugees and their host NGO’s, PAPs, Beneficiaries, Public communities, as well as the private sector Institutions, Refugees, Host energy companies. Communities, Refugees, women and • Access to electricity will improve the men, contractors, consultants, project economic status through enhancement of workers among others. small and medium enterprises that will spur economic development in areas traversed by the project. • Improved health and education standards through electrification of schools and healthy centers in the refugee host communities. • Employment opportunities to the local communities • Power connection may lower the pressure on Protected Areas from communities near Protected Areas • Amelioration of climate change and environmental conservation through promotion of renewable energy. Component 2: Financial • Increased use of clean energy by the host • MoFPED, NEMA, MGLSD, MoTWA. Intermediation for Energy Access communities MoWE, MEMD, UECCC, UEDCL, REA, Scale up • Reduced dependence on wood fuel and UETCL, NFA, MoLHUD NGO’s, Solar petroleum for the agro-processing companies, Commercial banks, companies community members, Business 9 Project component Impacts Stakeholders by Project Component • Improved economic development Communities, UIA, PAPs, Beneficiaries, • Employment opportunities for the local Public Institutions, women and men, communities within the project areas contractors, consultants, project workers • Clean cooking technologies will be among others. encouraged for use by the host communities • Resource efficiency rewards to people who ensure proper disposal of solar batteries • Improved standards of living for the refugees and host communities • Support to off-grid business investments • Improved clean energy use • Contribution to climate change mitigation through reduction in deforestation Component 3: Energy access in • See Impacts described under Component • MoFPED, OPM, MoDPR, UNHCR, refugee host communities 1 and 2 above NEMA, MGLSD, MoTWA. MEMD, UEDCL, UECCC, REA, UETCL, MoLHUD, NGO’s, PAPs, Beneficiaries, Public Institutions, Refugees, Host Communities, Refugees, women and men, contractors, consultants, project workers among others. Component 4: Project • Support to the implementing agencies in • MoFPED, NEMA, MGLSD, MoTWA. implementation support and the smooth coordination of the EASP MEMD, UEDCL, REA, UETCL, MoLHUD, affordable modern energy solutions activities Business Communities, UIA, NGO’s, • Capacity building in different aspects for PAPs, Beneficiaries, Public Institutions, the implementing agencies. Refugees, Host Communities, Refugees, contractors, consultants, project workers among others. Component 5: Contingent • Improve the Government’s ability to • MoFPED, MEMD, MoDPR, OPM, NEMA, emergency response respond effectively in the event of an MGLSD among others. emergency (e.g., COVID19) through mitigation, response, and recovery measures. 10 4.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK An analysis of the applicable policy and legal framework was conducted, as well as an institutional framework analysis. The project notably triggers World Bank Environmental and Social Standards. The institutional and legal framework relevant to the project is laid out below. 4.1 Relevant Policy Framework The Energy Policy for Uganda, 2002 Outlines the objectives of the energy sector in Uganda which include among others, the need to manage energy related environmental impacts. The Renewable Energy Policy, 2007 Requires Agencies to ensure that rural electricity production conforms to acceptable environmental standards. As part of the policy objectives, the policy aims at mainstreaming poverty eradication, equitable distribution, social services and gender issues in renewable energy strategies The National Land Policy, 2013 Addresses contemporary land issues and conflicts facing the country. The vision of the policy is; “Sustainable and optimal use of land and land-based resources for transformation of Ugandan society and the economy�. The goal of the policy is: “to ensure efficient, equitable and sustainable utilization and management of Uganda’s land and land-based resources for poverty reduction, wealth creation and overall socio-economic development�. Among the issues it addresses is the need to mitigate the impacts of investments (such as those that will be attributed to EASP) on land to deliver equitable and sustainable development; and protect the land rights of citizens in light of such investments, including the rights of vulnerable groups. The National HIV/AIDS Policy, 2007 Provides a framework for prevention of further spread of HIV and mitigation of the socio-economic impact of the epidemic within the world of work in Uganda. It provides the principles and a framework for a multi-sectoral response to HIV/AIDS in Uganda’s work places. The policy applies to all current and prospective employees and workers, including applicants for work, within the public and private sectors. It also applies to all aspects of work, both formal and informal. It is therefore important that MEMD, REA and UECCC have adequate capacities to mainstream HIV/AIDS into the proposed EASP project components. The National Environment Management Policy, 1994 The policy lays out the foundation for Uganda’s environme ntal, legal and regulation framework. Its overall goal is sustainable social and economic development, which maintains or enhances environmental quality and resource productivity on a long-term basis. The policy pronounces itself on the need to have an environmental assessment undertaken for projects that may have potential adverse impacts on the socio-cultural, physical, and biological environment. The Uganda Vision, 2040 This is Uganda’s blueprint for socio-economic transformation from a subsistence-based economy to an industrialised one. Energy access is considered as a catalyst in realising that transformation. The Uganda Gender Policy, 2007 11 The goal of the Policy is to achieve gender equality and women's empowerment as an integral part of Uganda's socio-economic development. One of the policy’s objectives is to reduce gender inequalities so that all women and men, girls and boys, are able to move out of poverty and to achieve improved and sustainable livelihoods. The policy is a guide to all stakeholders in planning, resource allocation, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of programmes with a gender perspective. It is worth noting that the energy and mineral development sectors is among the sector that is supposed to conform to the gender and equity compacts. The compact is a planning reference tool that is meant to support the sector in meaningful planning for gender and equity issues. The National Employment Policy, 2011 As part of the policy’s objectives, it aims to increase productivity, competitiveness and employability of the labour force, especially the youth and other most vulnerable members of the labour force. It also aims to promote and protect the rights and interests of workers in accordance with existing labour laws and fundamental labour standards. The Uganda National Culture Policy, 2006 The policy was designed to enhance the integration of culture into national development. It is the first comprehensive instrument taking into account the diversity of Ugandan cultures. It recognises the importance of culture in development processes, the need to promote it and, the need for social inclusion and to respect cultural diversity. The National Water Policy, 1999 This policy aims to manage and develop the water resources of Uganda in an integrated and sustainable manner. The water policy requires an integration of the water and hydrological cycle concerns in all development programmes. The policy further emphasizes the need for participatory planning at the lowest possible level and specifically mentions the requirement for districts to set priorities, by-laws and annual development plans within policies and guidelines set by national level ministries. The National Land Use Policy, 2011 The aim of the policy is to: “achieve sustainable and equitable socio -economic development through optimal land management and utilisation�. Forestry Policy, 2001 The Goal of the policy is to ensure an integrated forest sector that achieves sustainable increase in the economic, social and environmental benefits from forests and trees by all the people of Uganda, especially the poor and vulnerable. Climate Change Policy, 2015 The goal of the policy is to ensure a harmonised and coordinated approach towards a climate-resilient and low- carbon development path for sustainable development in Uganda. The overarching objective of the policy is to ensure that all stakeholders address climate change impacts and their causes through appropriate measures while promoting sustainable development and a green economy. 12 4.2 Relevant Legal and Regulatory Framework Law/Policy Jurisdiction/Mandate Relevance A: National Legal and Policy Framework for Stakeholder Engagement The This is the cornerstone of legislation in Uganda. First Identify and plan for constitution of it was drawn up with widespread participation of the consultation and the Republic population, including people with disabilities, women active participation of Uganda, and other minority groups. Each group ensured that of community 1995 there interests are represented. Secondly, it members, local provides for statutory instruments that govern leadership and participation in policy and programs. It provides for other stakeholders participatory governance – Under the political along project areas objectives; part (i) The State shall be based on in planning studies democratic principles which empower and and implementation. encourage the active participation of all citizens at all levels in their own governance; and (iii), the State shall be guided by the principle of decentralization and devolution of government functions and powers to the people at appropriate levels where they can best manage and direct their own affairs. On women issues Article 33 states that women shall The identification of be accorded full and equal dignity of the person with stakeholders for men and that women shall have the right to equal consultation and treatment with men and that right shall include equal participation should opportunities in political, economic and social give equal activities. On disability Article 34 states that persons opportunity and with disabilities have a right to respect and human include socially dignity and the State and society shall take vulnerable groups appropriate measures to ensure that they realize including women, their full mental and physical potential. Article 36 on children persons minorities states that minorities have a right to with disabilities and participate in decision-making processes and their other minorities views and interests shall be taken into account in the such as refugees making of national plans and programmes. and non-citizens. On environmental protection and conservation, The Stakeholder constitution offers ‘every Ugandan… a right to a engagements clean and healthy environment’ (section 39) while at should include the same time expects citizens to play their part in consultation over creating a healthy environment - ‘it is the duty of potential social and every citizen of Uganda to create and protect a clean environmental and healthy environment (section 17). impacts and locally agreeable mitigation 13 measures. The SEP should take into consideration likely vulnerabilities among stakeholders and how they are likely to compromise their full participation in planning consultations and mitigation implementation The These specify the general requirements for good Require developers Environmental ESIA and RAP practice in Uganda. The to ensure that the Impact Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, views of Assessment 1998; Sub-regulation (1) of Regulation 12 that stakheolders in Regulations, requires the developer to take all measures affected 1998; necessary to seek the views of the people in the communities are communities that may be affected by the project. sought and that Regulations 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 outline further potential impacts requirements for public participation. including benefits are identified and appropriately disclosed. The Local The Local Government Act (1997) provides for the Identify and plan for Government system of local governments, which is based on meaningful Act (1997); local councils and the participation of the community engagement, members in which powers over development consultation and planning, budgeting, financial management, human involvement of resources and service provision function (including relevant local the emerging of safety and security service delivery government needs) have been devolved to popularly elected stakeholders, Local Governments. community leaders and members. Preceding the preparation of this SEP, was extensive mapping of stakeholders to ensure inclusive public involvement and participation As the project further 14 evolves, more stakeholders shall be identified and involved as per the prevailing needs and requirements of the project. National These are instruments aimed at narrowing the These have Gender Policy gender (inequality) gap and promoting equity in implications for 2007; and access to and control of resources or development stakeholder National Plan outcomes by ensuring that gender concerns are engagement that of Action for routinely identified and addressed in the includes the Women. identification, design, appraisal, implementation, identification of and monitoring and evaluation of national, and local consultation with government policies, plans and programs. vulnerable social groups such as women, youth and disabled groups in respect to development processes and related impacts. The UNRA Highlight the significance of stakeholder These have Environment engagement as source of information as well as implications for and Social project social and environment risk management stakeholder Management strategy and tool throughout the project cycle and engagement that System (2019) includes Guidelines for Stakeholder includes the and the UNRA Consultation and Information Disclosure during identification of and Land ESIA and RAP processes;. This is re-echoed in consultation with all Acquisition annex 1 section 6 and 5 of the UNRA Business relevant and Processes for the Department of Environment and stakeholders in Resettlement Social Safeguards respect to Policy (2019) development section 4.0 processes and related impacts including management of project risks and meaningful disclosure of project relent information. 15 Stakeholder The Land Act, 1998 addresses land holding, These have engagement is management control and dispute resolution and implications for also implied in repeats (in Section 3) provisions of Article 237 of the stakeholder a number of Constitution which vests all land ownership in the engagement that national citizens of Uganda, to be held under customary, includes the legislations that freehold, mailo or leasehold tenure systems. Section identification of and guide land 43 of the Act reaffirms the statutory power of consultation with acquisition in compulsory acquisition conferred on the government relevant land public interest and local authorities under articles 26 (2) and 237(2) management such as the (a) of the Constitution but subject to fair and prompt structures at local Land Act, compensation and where necessary recourse to government level, 1998; and redress mechanism. This is re-echoed in Land the land owners and Land Acquisition Act, 1965. users under Acquisition different tenure Act, 1965. including vulnerable social groups such as women, youth and children that derive sustenance from land in respect to development impacts and mitigation measures. B: International Policy Frameworks for Stakeholder Engagement The World ESS10: Stakeholder Engagement and Information Identify and plan for Bank Disclosure. The Bank expects the project proponent early and international to explicitly prepare a SEP that includes among appropriate environmental others: engagement and and social • Identification of all stakeholders interested in or consultation with all safeguard likely to be impacted by the project, project stakeholders standards • Develop and implement a stakeholder including vulnerable (ESSs) in engagement and consultation plan, and social groups and relation to • Involve all stakeholders in RAP and ESIA paying special stakeholder preparation and implementation through attention to their engagement appropriate and timely sharing of relevant needs and and information and effective consultation and concerns. consultation participation Early stakeholder engagement is also cross referenced as an integral requirement of ESS1 on 16 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Management and the ESS81 on Cultural Heritage. 5.0 POTENTIAL AREA OF INFLUENCE Where the project involves specifically identified physical elements, aspects, and facilities that are likely to generate impacts, environmental and social risks and impacts will be identified in the context of the project’s area of influence. It is envisaged that the project area of influence will likely encompass the entire country. The scope of engagements will entail the following: a) The project and client’s activities and facilities that are directly owned, operated or managed (including by contractors) and that are a component of the project. b) Impacts from unplanned but predictable developments caused by the project that may occur later or at a different location. c) Indirect project impacts on biodiversity or on ecosystem services upon which Affected Co mmunities’ livelihoods are dependent. d) Associated facilities, which are facilities that are not funded as part of the project and that would not have been constructed or expanded if the project did not exist and without which the project would not be viable. 1 The requirements of this ESS8 applies to all projects that are likely to have risks or impacts on cultural heritage and include a project which: (a) Involves excavations, demolition, and movement of earth, flooding or other changes in the physical environment. As such, some of graves along the alignment are likely to be impacted. 17 Associated facilities may include railways, roads, captive power plants or transmission lines, pipelines, utilities, warehouses, and logistics terminals. e) Cumulative impacts that result from the incremental impact, on areas or resources used or directly impacted by the project, from other existing, planned or reasonably defined developments at the time the risks and impacts identification process is conducted. Cumulative impacts are limited to those impacts generally recognized as important on the basis of scientific concerns and/or concerns from Affected Communities. Examples of cumulative impacts include: incremental contribution of gaseous emissions to an air shed, reduction of water flows in a watershed due to multiple withdrawals, increases in sediment loads to a watershed, interference with migratory routes or wildlife movement or more traffic congestion and accidents due to increases in vehicular traffic on community roadways. 18 6.0 STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION SEF activities will be led by implementing agencies responsible for stakeholder engagement, Project Implementation Unit (Environment, Social and Gender Specialists) and Community Development Officers in the different districts traversed by the project. These Departments will be responsible for the overall coordination and management of stakeholder engagements. The team will be supported by part time and full-time consultants, as needed. In addition, the Social Aspects Units of implementing agencies will be in charge of the grievance resolution mechanism. The Project Grievance Focal Point will also be part of the Community Development Team. Furthermore, a number of land acquisition and resettlement experts will be engaged to implement the RAP(s). Environmental and Social experts will be responsible for the environmental and social impact assessment and performance of the Project. Specific named personnel will be established for these roles as the project progresses. The material resources are GRM database, printed documents will be used based on the needs of the SEF. 6.1 Key stakeholders to be consulted The key stakeholders to be consulted are presented in Table 2. The consultation will focus on the project benefits and risks and mitigation measures that should be implemented during the implementation of EASP. Stakeholders that have both high influence and high impact will be continuously engaged and kept fully informed throughout the project life cycle. Those with high influence include both ‘key government ministries’ and ‘local government authorities. Stakeholders that have low influence, but high interest will also be kept well informed and involved in a process of informed consultation and participation, which ensures their views are taken into account in during the project life cycle. 19 Table 3: Stakeholders engagement approach No Institutions Relevance to Interest/ Engagement Frequency of engagement Mode of communication Timing of Project phrase /Target EASP/reasons for Impact type and information to be disclosed engagement stakeholders engagement to EASP 1 Ministry of Energy Responsible for High In-depth Incidental, weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, Meetings, video-conferences, All through out Preparation, and implementation of EASP engagement Annual support missions, reports, emails Implementation, Mineral and field visits, Independent Closure Development Project Appraisal Document, Financing verification agents, mid-term Agreement, RAP, ESF, VMGF, ESIA, C- reviews, workshop, ESMP, Labour Influx management Plan, sensitizations, supervision ECP, GBV/VAC Management Plan among \others. among others 2 Ministry of MoFPED will provide co- High Focussed Incidental, Monthly, Quarterly Meetings, reports, independent All through out Preparation, Finance, Planning financing for EASP engagement verifications and audits, letters, Implementation, and Economic implementation Project Appraisal Document, Financing emails among others Closure Development Agreement, RAP, ESF, VMGF, ESIA, C- ESMP, Labour Influx management Plan, ECP, GBV/VAC Management Plan, Aide Memoires among others 3 Office of the Prime Mandated to manage the High Information Monthly, Quarterly Meetings, emails, letters, reports, All throughout Preparation, Minister (OPM) Refugees in Uganda disclosure SEF,SEP,VMGF,ESF,ESMP,GRM,RAP, field visits, monitoring and Implementation, Aide Memoires among others supervision of refugee projects, Closure invitation to FGD’s, letters among others. 4 Ministry of Has a mandate over the High In-depth Monthly, Quarterly Meetings, reports, field visits, All through out Preparation, Gender, gender, labour, engagement. opportunity to comment, Implementation, Labour and Social occupational safety, Project Appraisal Document, Financing Grievance Redress Committee Closure Development cultural and social Agreement, RAP, ESF, VMGF, ESIA, C- meeting. Invitation to FGD’s, development in Uganda ESMP, Labour Influx management Plan, letters among others. ECP, GBV/VAC Management Plan, Aide Memoires among others 5 Ministry of Lands, Mandated to approval of High Focused Monthly, Quarterly Reconnaissance surveys, Focussed Preparation, Housing and compensation awards, engagement. meetings, field visits, reports and engagement Implementation Urban registration of land, RPF, RAP, ESIA, Aide Memoires among Grievance Redress Development physical planning and others Committee meetings. survey and mapping of land in Uganda. 6 Ministry of Water Has mandate over the High Focussed Quarterly Face-to-face meetings, Focused Preparation, and Environment management of Engagement Invitations to engagement Implementation, environment and water ESIA, C-ESMP, SEP among others public/community meetings. resources. Focus Group Discussions 20 7 Ministry of Local The project will be High Focussed Monthly, Quarterly Meetings, reports, field visits, All through Government implemented in district Engagement opportunity to comment, local governments under Grievance Redress Committee, the Ministry of Local ESIA, RAP, SEP among others Meeting, workshops, monitoring Government. and evaluation of the project. 8 Ministry of Relevant in the High Focussed Quarterly Meetings, reports, letters Agriculture, identification of potential Engagement Preparation, Animal Industry positive impacts of EASP to ESIA, SEP Implementation and Fisheries the agriculture sector, which the mainstay of over 80 % of Ugandans. 9 Ministry of Trade, MTIC will provide the High Focussed Quarterly Meetings, letters, reports Preparation, Industry and relevance of the EASP in Engagement Implementation Cooperatives the trade, industry and ESIA, SEP cooperative sectors of Uganda. 10 Banking These banking institutions Low Focussed Quarterly Meetings, reports, physical visits, All through Preparation, institutions & Tier will work with UECCC Engagement emails, invitation to FGD’s Implementation, IV Financials during the implementation ESIA, ESMS, SEF, SEP, ESCP among Closure institutions on of the energy credit others UECCC List component of EASP. 11 Association of The Solar Dealers will work Low Focussed Quarterly Meetings, reports, letters All through Preparation, Solar Dealers with UECCC during the Engagement Implementation, implementation of the ESIA, ESMS, SEF, SEP Closure energy credit component of EASP. 12 National NEMA is mandated to High In-Depth Monthly, Quarterly ESIA reviews, environment and All through Preparation, Environment regulate, coordinate and Engagement social audit monitoring, field Implementation, Management monitor environmental ESF, ESIA, RAP, VMGF, SEF, SEP visits, reports, letters Closure Authority (NEMA) management in Uganda. 13 Uganda UIA is a statutory agency High Focussed Quarterly Meetings, emails, reports Preparation, Investment mandated by the Engagement Implementation Authority (UIA) Government of Uganda to initiate and support ESIA, RAP measures that enhance investment in Uganda. 14 District Local The DLGs will closely work High In-depth Monthly, Quarterly, Workshops, meetings, phone All through Preparation, Governments with the implementing engagement calls, reports, physical visits, Implementation, (DLGs) agencies for the EASP ESIA, C-ESMP, SEP, VMGP invitation to FGD’s among Closure including the refugee sub- others. component. 21 15 Vulnerable groups The project will be High Actively Monthly, Quarterly Workshops, meetings, FGD’s, All through Preparation, implemented in areas with engaged use of local languages, skilled Implementation, vulnerable groups such as VMGP, SEF, SEP, RAP, ESMF, translators, physical visits Closure the refugees, elderly, ESIA, Labour Influx Management Plan women, people with disabilities (PWDs), youth and the terminally ill, among others. 16 Marginalized The EASP is a national High Actively Monthly, Quarterly Meetings, workshops, reports, All through Preparation, groups project that may be engaged field visits, FGD’s, sensitization Implementation, implemented among the workshops, use of local language Closure marginalized communities VMGP, SEF, SEP, RAP, ESMF, and skilled translators, such as the Batwa and the ESIA, Labour Influx Management Plan monitoring and supervision of Ik. refugee projects. 17 Makerere Makerere University will be High Informed Annually Research, meetings All through Preparation, University consulted specially to Engagement Implementation, generate knowledge on the ESIA, RPF Closure latest environmentally and socially acceptable renewable energy technologies. 18 Electricity ERA will be consulted High Focussed Monthly, Quarterly Meetings, reports All through Preparation, Regulatory because its mandate is to Engagement Implementation, Authority (ERA) regulate all aspects related Project Appraisal Document, Financing Closure to generation, Agreement, RAP, ESF, VMGF, ESIA, C- transmission, distribution ESMP, Labour Influx management Plan, and supply of electricity in ECP, GBV/VAC Management Plan, Aide Uganda including the Memoires among others planned outputs from the EASP. 19 Uganda Electricity UETCL will be consulted High Focussed Quarterly Meetings, Reports All through Preparation, Transmission because it is a Engagement Implementation, Company Limited parastatal company whose Closure (UETCL) primary purpose is to make SEF,SEP, VMGF,VMGP, ESIA, RAP , bulk electricity purchases Aide Memoires among others and transmit the electricity along high voltage wires to local and foreign distribution points. 22 20 Uganda Electricity UEDCL will own all the High Focussed Quarterly Meetings, Reports All through Preparation, Distribution electricity distribution Engagement Implementation, Company Limited assets below 33 kV that will Closure (UEDCL) result from the EASP and should therefore be ESF, ESIA, ESCP, VMGF, VMGP, SEF, consulted to determine SEP, RAP, Aide Memoires among others potential environmental and social risks and develop strategies for their management. 21 Rural REA is an implementing High In-depth Incidental, Quarterly, Monthly Meetings, video-conferences, All through Preparation, Electrification Agency for the EASP Engagement support missions, reports, emails Implementation, Agency (REA) based on her mandate of Project Appraisal Document, Financing and field visits, Independent Closure providing electricity Agreement, RAP, ESF, VMGF, ESIA, C- verification agents, mid-term infrastructure to all rural ESMP, Labour Influx management Plan, reviews supervision among areas using appropriate ECP, GBV/VAC Management Plan, Aide others. technologies in order to Memoires among others increase access, productivity and contribute to improved quality of life. 22 Service Providers Service providers such as Moderate Focussed Quarterly Meetings, Video-conferences Implementation Preparation, UMEME will be consulted Engagement Implementation, to collect views on the Closure environmental and social ESIA, SEF, SEP, ESCP among others risks associated with the planned implementation of the EASP. 23 Uganda The views of UMA are Moderate Focussed Quarterly Reports, Emails, Meetings Implementation Preparation, Manufacturers important because its Engagement Implementation, Association mandate is to advise Closure (UMA) government on key policies ESIA, ESCP affecting the industrial sector such as electrification and power tariff. 24 Community Community members in High In-depth Incidental, Monthly, Quarterly, Meetings, reports, TV, Radios, All through Preparation, members selected districts shall be Engagement local leaders, phone calls, Implementation, critical in documenting their FGD’s, surveys, sensitization Closure perceived benefits, RAP, ESF, VMGF, ESIA, C-ESMP, workshops, field visits, negative impacts and Labour Influx management Plan, ECP, opportunity to comment, management strategies for Grievance Redress Committee 23 the risks that will arise from GBV/VAC Management Plan, Aide Meeting, workshops, monitoring EASP implementation. Memoires among others and Some community members evaluation of the project. are potential beneficiaries of the project. 25 Local The EASP may build High • In-depth Incidental, Monthly, Quarterly Meetings, reports, field visits, All through Preparation, Governments human and institutional Engagement opportunity to Implementation, capacity of Grievance comment, Grievance Redress Closure redress committees. Local Committee governments ensure that Meeting, workshops, monitoring the project adheres to and national policies and evaluation of the project. standards. They also ensure that there is transparency and accountability to the people in the use of public resources so that development takes place. 26 Refugee Project beneficiaries High In-depth Incidental, Monthly, Quarterly Meetings, reports, field visits, use All through Preparation, Settlements Engagement RAP, ESF, VMGF, ESIA, C-ESMP, of translator’s, Radios, local Implementation, Labour Influx management Plan, ECP, leaders Closure GBV/VAC Management Plan, Aide Grievance Redress Committee Memoires among others Meeting, workshops, monitoring and evaluation of the project. 27 Marginal Groups Irk, Batwa and other High Cultural Incidental, Monthly, Quarterly, Communication materials All through Preparation, indigenous communities appropriate translated into their distinct implementation, (Project beneficiaries) engagement, RAP, ESF, VMGF, ESIA, C-ESMP, language, inclusiveness closure FPIC, in- Labour Influx management Plan, ECP, engagement of all genders, depth GBV/VAC Management Plan, Aide identification of champions who engagements. Memoires among others can speak for the voiceless, meetings, GRC, workshops, monitoring and evaluation of the project. 28 Non Third party monitors, High In-depth Incidental, Quarterly Meetings, reports, field visits, All through Preparation, Governmental partners in project Engagement Grievance Redress Committee Implementation, Organisation’s implementation RAP, ESF, VMGF, ESIA, C-ESMP, Meeting, workshops, monitoring Closure (NGOs) Labour Influx management Plan, ECP, and evaluation of the project. GBV/VAC Management Plan, Aide Memoires among others 24 29 Women Project beneficiaries, High In-depth Incidental, Monthly, Quarterly, Communication materials All through. Preparation, partners in monitoring and engagement translated into local languages, This will also Implementation, evaluation of the project. RAP, ESF, VMGF, ESIA, C-ESMP, inclusiveness engagement of all be dependent a Closure Labour Influx management Plan, ECP, genders, meetings, Radios, particular GBV/VAC Management Plan, Aide workshops. community Memoires among others Time of meetings will be dependent on a particular community. A gender analysis will be undertaken through the FGD’s to identify the other related energy needs, challenges per household. After the gender analysis, the views, perceptions, beliefs and knowledge on clean energy plus challenges hindering their utilization mapped out. . The community sensitizations of men and women will be conducted in safe spaces where all genders can freely share their views, opinions and concerns. Female models or champions will be used in the mobilisation of women. Female trainers will be used to encourage participation. The project will also involve women in the M&E to assess how the project has impacted on all genders. This will help to evaluate areas of improvement, effectiveness of interventions and sustainability. Women champions, representatives will be members of GRCs. 25 The core safeguards team will lead and take responsibility of all aspects of the stakeholder engagement. However, to implement the various activities envisaged in the SEF, the PIU, CDO’s will need to closely coordinate with other key stakeholders like Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The MEMD safeguards team will provide an oversight role. Contractors, consultants, local governments in affected communities will participate in the implementation of the SEF. The roles and responsibilities of these actors/stakeholders are summarized in the Table 4 below. Table 4: Responsibilities of key Actors/Stakeholders in SEF implementation Actor/Stakeholder Responsibilities REA, UEDCL, UECCC, MEMD • Planning and implementation of the SEP • Leading stakeholder engagement activities • Management and resolution of grievances • Coordination/supervision of contractors on SEP activities • Supervision/monitoring of RAP, HSE and Implementation Consultants • Monitoring of and reporting on environmental and social performance to management to World Bank. Implementation Consultants • Supervision/monitoring of Contractor • Management of engagement activities during the construction phase Contractors/sub-contractors • Inform of any issues related to their engagement with stakeholders. • Transmit and resolve complaints caused by the construction activities in close collaboration with the implementation agency/Consultant and by participating in the local Grievance Resolution Committee • Prepare, disclose and implement various plans (e.g. C-ESMP, Labor Management Plan, etc.) • Inform local communities of any environmental monitoring e.g. noise, vibration, water quality monitoring • Announce important construction activities (such as road closures and available alternatives) etc. Ministries, Departments and • Monitor Project compliance with Ugandan legislation Agencies; • Participate in the implementation of some activities in the ESMP/RPF and • Ministry of Lands Housing and SEP Urban Planning • Participate in the implementation of the Land Acquisition process • Ministry of Wildlife, Tourism and • Make available and engage with the public on the Scoping and EIA Reports. Antiquities • Ministry of Water and Environment • Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development Affected districts, sub-counties and • Transfer all complaints to the implementing agencies GRM Focal Point local communities • Participate in the local Grievance Resolution Committee (see Section 6.0 Grievance Mechanism) • Make available the disclosed ESIA documents; Project affected people • Invited to engage and ask questions about the Project at Project Meetings and through discussions with safeguards/project staff where it is of interest or of relevance to them. 26 • Lodge their grievances using the Grievance Resolution Mechanism defined in the SEP (Section 6.0 Grievance Mechanism) • Help the Project to define mitigation measures. Other Project developers • Engage with implementing agencies regarding project design • Share ESIA information and documentation with implementing agencies to enable the assessment of cumulative impacts 27 7.0 STRATEGY FOR THE ENGAGEMENT PROCESS 7.1 Engagement process In line with the ESS 10, stakeholder engagement process will be a continuous and iterative process involving identification, communication and facilitation of a two-way dialogue with the people affected by the project decisions and activities, as well as others with an interest in the implementation and outcomes of its decisions and the project. It takes into account the different access and communication needs of various groups and individuals, especially those more disadvantaged or vulnerable, including consideration of both communication and physical accessibility challenges. Engagement started during project preparation with stakeholder consultations with affected and interested parties to allow stakeholders’ views and concerns to be considered in the project design, implementation, and operation. Below are some of the envisaged activities and processes under the strategy: 7.1.1 Stakeholder Mapping and Identification MEMD and implementing Agencies will execute various stakeholder engagement activities that shall be planned as a part of the development of public consultation for the project to determine the participating parties, individuals, state and Non-Government Organizations that are likely to impact the project or may be affected by the result of the project. The figures 2 & 3 below provide the guiding processes for mapping and identification of stakeholders in consideration of their interests and levels of influence and power. Source: Stakeholdermap.com 28 Figure 2: Influence vs Interest of stakeholders in the engagement process Source: Pinterest Figure 3: Stakeholder effort and extent of influence 7.1.2 Public/community Meetings At the start of the project, REA, UECCC, UEDCL and MEMD will organise project launch meetings in each of the districts traversed by the project. Community meetings/sensitizations will be held on a quarterly basis throughout the project’s life cycle. Community Development Officers at the district Local Governments will support the project in mobilizing for stakeholder engagements. 7.1.3 Communication Materials Written information will be disclosed to the public via a variety of communication materials including brochures, flyers, posters, etc. A public relations kit will be designed specifically and distributed both in print and audio form. Communication materials will be in English and in local languages. Information on grievance redress mechanism shall also be provided. 7.1.4 Grievance Redress Mechanism In compliance with the World Bank’s ESS10 requirement, a specific grievance mechanism will be set-up for the project. Dedicated communication materials (GRM pamphlets, posters) will be created to help local residents familiarize themselves with the grievance redress channels and procedures. A GRM guidebook/manual will also be developed and suggestion boxes installed in each of the affected districts and village. In order to capture and track grievances received under the project, a dedicated GRM Management Information System/database is planned. GRM committees at the district level will benefit from training on how to receive, respond to, address and close grievances in line with best international practices. Gender Based Violence and Violence Against Children issues will also be integrated into the GRM. Internal GRM training will 29 also take place for contractor staff and community members. The project’s GRM will include clear information on how feedback, questions, comments, concerns and grievances can be submitted by any stakeholder and will include the possibility to submit grievances electronically as well. It will also provide information on the way the GRM committee works, both in terms of process and deadlines. 7.1.5 Information Desks and Field Visits Information Desks in each district will provide local residents with information on stakeholder engagement activities, construction updates, contact details of the REA, UECCC, UEDCL, MEMD safeguards staff and Community Development Officers (CDO). CDOs in the affected districts will set up these information desks, either in their offices or other easily accessible places where they can meet and share information about the project with PAPs and other stakeholders. Brochures and fliers on various project related social and environmental issues shall be made available at these information desks. 7.1.6 Citizen/PAP Perception Survey The project will be implemented through a market-based approach and accordingly will facilitate both the supply side and the demand side of the equation. As the project deals with innovative technologies and disruptive business models, its success will depend on successful awareness campaigns and capacity building of the ultimate project beneficiaries—citizens. The project supports interventions to inform and train the end beneficiaries and citizens on the use and maintenance of grid and off-grid energy services and clean cooking products to reduce misuse and ensure appropriate care of these products. Adequate awareness campaigns and information dissemination will be conducted to inform citizens on their diverse benefits, safe use and grievance redressal. The productive use aspect of these products is largely unknown to most of the potential beneficiaries, and the project will ensure adequate citizen engagement to achieve intended benefits. Initial stakeholder consultations were undertaken during the preparation of the ESMF and the RPF. The consultation processes will be an ongoing activity throughout the project cycle to ensure that stakeholders are fully engaged, especially the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. The project will establish a citizen’s feedback mechanism and grievance redress system. In addition, to prevent and respond to GBV during project implementation, measures will be taken to sensitize and train the PIU, implementing agencies, and contractors against GBV. A rapid perception assessment examining citizen’s experience and feedback about the project will be carried out twice during the project’s lifecycle: once around the mid-implementation phase, and once towards the end of the project’s implementation. 7.1.7 Trainings, Workshops Finally, trainings on a variety of social and environmental issues will be provided to communities and contractor staff and possibly relevant government or non-government service providers. Issues covered will include a sensitization to gender-based violence risks, compensation process, bio-diversity offsets, labor force management, community health and safety and other emerging issues. 7.2 Strategy to Incorporate views of Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups A significant factor in achieving inclusiveness of the engagement process is safeguarding the participation of vulnerable individuals in public consultations and other engagement forums established by the project. The vulnerability may stem from person’s origin, gender, age, health conditi on, economic deficiency and financial insecurity, disadvantaged status in the community (e.g. minorities or fringe groups), dependence on other individuals or natural resources, etc. Engagement with the vulnerable groups and individuals often requires the application of specific measures and assistance aimed at the facilitation of their participation in the project related decision making so that their awareness of and input to the overall process are commensurate to those 30 of the other stakeholders. Engagements will be built on what is existing in consultation with local institutions and leaders. Trusted leaders will be identified and will support in the engagements. Communication materials or engagements will be in their distinct languages with the help of skilled translators. NGO’s and other partners working in vulnerable communities of the Ik and Batwa among others will also be engaged. Equal representation and participation of all genders in a culturally appropriate manner shall also be employed. The EASP-VMGF has comprehensively addressed all the other related aspects. Within the Project Area of Influence, the vulnerable groups may include and are not limited to the following; • Elderly people and veterans of war • Child mothers • Persons with disabilities and their careers • Low-income family’s dependent on state support • Women-headed households or single mothers with underage children • The unemployed persons. The project will take special measures to ensure that disadvantaged and vulnerable groups have equal opportunity to access project benefits, information, provide feedback, or submit grievances. Stakeholder engagements will be structured in a culturally appropriate and an all-inclusive manner. The deployment of CDOs will help to ensure proactive outreach to all population groups. Training and awareness raising sessions will be conducted in villages rather than districts to ensure higher participation of targeted population. Focus groups dedicated specifically to vulnerable groups may also be envisaged as appropriate. Description of the methods of engagement that will be undertaken by the project is provided in other sections of this document Vulnerable groups within the communities affected by the project will further be confirmed and consulted through dedicated means, as appropriate. 7.3 Information Disclosure and Notification All eligible PAPs, relevant stakeholders will be informed about the proposed Electricity Access Scale Up Project and the RAP process. A cut-off date is established as part of determining PAPs eligibility. In special cases where there are no clearly identifiable owners or users of the land or asset, the RAP team must notify the respective local authorities and leaders. A “triangulation� of information -affected persons; community leaders and representatives; and an independent agent (e.g. local organization or NGO; other government agency; land valuer) may help to identify eligible PAPs. The RAP must notify PAPs about the established cut-off date and its significance. PAPs must be notified both in writing and by verbal notification delivered in the presence of all the relevant stakeholders. All future project related environmental and social monitoring reports, listed in the above sections will be disclosed on implementing agencies web pages. Project updates (including news on construction activities and relevant environmental and social data) will also be posted on the web page. All information brochures/fliers will be posted on the website. Details about the Project Grievance Resolution Mechanism will be posted on the website. An electronic grievance submission form will also be made available on implementing agencies websites. Contact details of the safeguard’s personnel will also be made available on the website. Web pages will be updated on a regular basis (at least once a quarter). This will allow stakeholders with access to Internet to view information about the planned development and to initiate their involvement in the public consultation process. The web-site will be equipped with an on-line feedback feature that will enable readers to leave their comments in relation to the disclosed materials. Further stakeholder meetings, radio talk shows, press releases will also be used. 31 The project developer will continue applying the similar approach to disclosure for any additional E&S appraisal materials that will be prepared as part of the project development. The 60-day disclosure period shall be observed. Overall, all ESF instruments will be disclosed through the SEP. Furthermore, the SEF and SEPs will be approved and cleared by the Government of Uganda and the World Bank and disclosed in a culturally appropriate manner. 32 8.0 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM The objective of the grievance mechanism is to resolve and remedy complaints that may result from direct and indirect consequences of the EASP activities. They will leverage existing Local Grievance Redress Mechanisms, which included Local Chairman 1 (LC1) and relevant stakeholders. 8.1 Grievance Redress Mechanism by Component Table 5: Grievance Redress Mechanism Component Grievance redress mechanisms Component 1: Grid Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs) will be set up in all the sub-counties Expansion and where network expansion and strengthening through Medium Voltage (MV) and connectivity Low Voltage (LV) grid extension, upgrades and intensification will be undertaken. Component 2: The existing GRM structures will be utilized and supplemented with project Financial specific arrangements. Consultative meetings will be conducted prior to formation Intermediation for of additional Grievance Redress committees (GRCs). This sub-component will energy access scale- provide access to credit through UECCC to the participating Commercial up Financial Institutions (CFIs) for the promotion of productive uses of electricity and efficient appliances, and facilitation of internal wiring for household consumers and three phase connections. Component 3: Energy Grievance Redress committees will be established in the various refugee Access in refugee settlements traversed by the EASP. The existing structures will be utilized and host communities supplemented with project specific arrangements. Consultative meetings will be conducted prior to formation of additional Grievance Redress committees (GRCs). Accessibility for disadvantaged or vulnerable individuals or refugees will be key during project implementation. The GRM will be designed based on an understanding of the issues that are likely to be the subject of concerns and grievances. Ugandan communities living close to refugee sites have given land to host these refugees, and overall maintain good relations with their neighbor’s. There are, however, tensions between refugees and their hosts over natural resources, livelihoods and land. Positive relations between the refugee and host communities exist, this will be upheld through equitable sharing of potential project benefits and social interaction. This component will increase access to electricity and clean cooking solutions for refugees and their host communities. This component will support ongoing efforts under the leadership of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), to ensure the sustainable socio-economic inclusion of refugees and equitable access to development opportunities for social stability in Uganda. Component 4: Project A worker’s and community GRM will be established. This component will finance implementation project implementation and enabling environment support to increase access to support and electricity and clean cooking solutions in Uganda. Among other activities, this affordable modern component will finance the establishment of an adequately-staffed Project energy solutions Coordination Unit (PCU) at MEMD, and Project Implementation Units (PIUs) at REA and UECCC, through the recruitment of necessary consultancy services, 33 Component Grievance redress mechanisms capacity building activities, and operations costs. This component will be implemented by MEMD, REA and UECCC. The proposed Grievance Resolution Mechanism (GRM) will address grievances in an efficient, timely and cost-effective manner, that arise in the Project, either due to actions by UECCC or REA, the contractor/sub-contractors employed by the implementing Agencies that affect communities and external stakeholders. A separate mechanism will be developed to address worker grievances. MEMD, REA and UECCC are responsible for managing the GRM, but many of the grievances on the Project will likely relate to the actions of the Contractor and so will need to be resolved by the Contractor. Implementing Agencies with the support of the Implementation Consultant will administer the GRM process deciding whether they or the Contractor is responsible and determining the best course of action to resolve the grievance. The Implementation Consultant will support implementing agencies to monitor grievance resolution being undertaken by the contractor. The project GRM deals with the issues of land and other assets acquisition (e.g. amount of compensation, suitability of residual land plots, loss of access roads, land tenure, denied access, GBV and VAC etc.) as well as the losses and damages caused by construction works, and any direct or indirect environmental and social impacts. Therefore, the grievance redress mechanism has to be in place by the time implementing Agencies start preparation of RAP, ESIA and shall function until the completion of all construction activities and beyond till the defect liability period ends. PAPs and other potential complainants should be fully informed of the GRM, its functions, procedures, timelines and contact persons both verbally and through booklets and information brochures during consultations meetings and other stakeholder engagement activities. Anticipated grievances for the EASP project will include those related to: • Loss of land • Crop damage • Sexual Exploitation and abuse • Family wrangles • Noise pollution • Waste Management. • Wrongly recorded personal or community details • Wrongly recorded assets including land details and/or affected land area/crops • Recent change of asset ownership • Incorrect computation of compensation • Name missed out of RAP register Implementing Agencies will implement an effective GRM, with the objective of helping third parties to avoid resorting to the judicial system as far as possible. The project’s GRM includes two successive tiers of extra - judicial grievance review and resolution: (i) the first tier is the Grievance Resolution Committee (GRC) at the 34 district level; (ii) the second tier is the GRM Focal Persons at implementing Agencies headquarters. Complainants can seek redress from the judicial system at any time. The step-by-step process does not deter them from approaching the courts. All grievance related correspondence will be documented and the grievance resolution process will be systematically tracked. 8.2 Grievance Process The two-stage grievance resolution process involves the following main steps: a) Receipt of grievances; b) Screening of grievances; c) Grievance Resolution Committee (first stage); d) Implementing agencies resolution at central level (second stage); e) Closure of grievances; f) Grievance records and documentation. These steps are described hereafter. 8.2.1 Receipt of Grievances Anyone from the affected communities or anyone believing they are affected by the Project can submit a grievance: By completing a written grievance registration form that will be available at Liaison centers, districts, construction sites, project’s website and in implementing agencies offices An example of a grievance log will be provided in the Stakeholder Engagement Plan. The Project’s Community Development Officer or Grievance Officer of each district will review the received grievances and record them in a Grievance Register. To promote the principle of accessibility a variety of grievance log in channels will be used such as a dedicated phone number, web sites, e-mails, in-person, anonymous, suggestion box among others. Grievances received be written down by the Community Development Officer on the grievance registration form and logged into the Grievance Register. A copy of the logged grievance will be signed by aggrieved person and Community Development Officer The Community Development Officers will explain the possibilities and ways to raise a grievance to local communities during meetings organised in each affected area at the time of RAP preparation. The GRM procedures will be disclosed through the Project’s website and will also be advertised on billboards/posters in each community and at the entrance of the contractor’s yard. Information material on the GRM will also be made available at the information desks in districts traversed by the project. In order to ensure that all grievances are captured, the implementing agency will explain how the grievances received by district GRC members may be channelled through the Project’s GRM. Training will be conducted for all GRC members on their roles and responsibilities and the implementing agency shall regularly monitor to ensure no grievances are missed. 8.2.2 Grievance Screening All grievances will be registered, reported and tracked by implementing agency in the Grievance Register by a Grievance Focal Point who is responsible for receiving, logging, referring and following up on grievances. Once a grievance is logged, the related event(s) that caused the grievance will be tracked to prevent similar 35 grievances. The status number and trends of grievances will be discussed during weekly E&S meetings during the construction phase. 8.2.3 Grievance Resolution Committee process A local Grievance Resolution Committee (GRC) will be established in districts, sub-counties, with an office. Once a grievance has been logged, the corresponding local GRC will be engaged to define a solution to solve the grievance. At this stage the grievance is reviewed in an informal (oral) way and the Grievance Redress Committee members make and sign the minutes on the matter. If at Stage 1 the PAP’s complaint is not resolved the PAP is informed about grievance resolution procedures of Stage 2. A PAP has the right to use the procedures of Stage 2 without applying to Stage 1 procedures. Timeframe for resolving the stage 1 grievance is 30 days. The GRC shall convene as per necessity (but at least once a month) and shall include six members. Special provisions will be made for any complaints of a confidential nature. Complaints on Gender Based and Violence Against Children shall be received and referred immediately to service providers. The GRC is a six-member committee comprising of the following: 1) Representative from the implementing agency (REA, UECCC, MEMD) 2) Grievance Officer or CDO 3) Selected Village GRC member 4) Representative of a Project Affected People (AP) as a Committee member; 5) Female Representative 6) The Local Councilor 1 The LC 1 or Grievance Officer will act as secretary of the GRC (creation, coordination, and documentation). Members of the GRC will be invited in accordance with the types of complaints to be addressed. The meeting will start without the complainants by reviewing all PAP complaints received since the last GRC meeting, and to propose a solution to all grievances within the past one month. Then, the GRC will welcome the complainants whose grievances had been reviewed during the previous meeting to discuss proposed resolution. For each grievance, the GRC will determine whether additional investigations are warranted. If so, additional information will be collected before the next GRC meeting and will also be provided to the PAP before the meeting. The GRC will then inform the PAP about the date, time and place of its review meeting, and invite the PAP accordingly. The GRC will receive the complainant and discuss with them a solution to their grievance. The committee shall draw up and sign the minutes of their discussion on the matter. If the grievance is satisfactorily resolved, the PAP will also sign the minutes in acknowledgement of the agreement. In cases where the project has agreed to put in place additional measures, these will be specified, with a timetable for delivery, in the minutes of the meeting. If the grievance remains unresolved, the PAP will be explained the Stage 2 escalation process. Stage 3 shall be handled by the implementing agencies heads of department together with other relevant stakeholders. 8.2.4 Implementing agencies resolution at central level (second stage) If the PAP is not satisfied, the grievance redress mechanism assists him/her in lodging an official grievance in accordance with the procedures of Stage 2 (the plaintiff should be informed of his/her rights and obligations, rules and procedures of making a grievance, format of grievance, terms of grievance submission, etc.). 36 8.2.5 Closure of Grievances A grievance will be considered “resolved� or “closed� when a resolution satisfactory to both pa rties has been reached, and after corrective measures has been successfully implemented. When a proposed solution is agreed between the Project and the complainant, the time needed to implement it will depend on the nature of the solution. However, the actions to implement this solution will be undertaken within one month of the grievance being logged and will be tracked until completion. Once the solution is being implemented or is implemented to the satisfaction of the complainant, a complaint close out form will be signed by both parties (Representative of the implementing agency, Local councilor 1 and the complainant), stating that the complainant considers that his/her grievance is closed. The grievance then, will be archived in the Project Grievance database. In certain situations, however, the Project may “close� a grievance even if the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome. 8.2.6 Grievance Records and Documentation REA or UECCC will nominate a GRM Focal Point to manage a grievance database to keep a record of all grievances received. The database will contain the name of the individual or organization lodging a grievance; the date and nature of the grievance; any follow-up actions taken; the solutions and corrective actions implemented by the Contractor or other relevant party; the final result; and how and when this decision was communicated to the complainant. The supervising consultant and contractor in their monthly monitoring reports will provide information on grievance management. Grievance monitoring and reporting will occur in quarterly, annual reports. Figure 4: The Process Flow Chart of Grievance Redress Mechanism Grievance received Record the date in the (in verbal or written format) Grievance Register Acknowledge all complaints within 7 days YES Categorise and organize NO investigation of grievance, Immediate action to satisfy complaint Identify any long-term corrective action required Record the date in the Register Inform complainant of the proposed corrective action or 8.3 Workers’ Grievance Mechanism clarify why action is not required within 30 days The EASP Implementing Agencies will provide a grievance mechanism for workers to raise reasonable workplace concerns. Workers grievances can be raised during tool box meetings, email, suggestion box, anonymous, site emergency contact numbers, designated person among others. Implement The implementing the corrective action Agency Inform complainant of will inform action of the grievance mechanism at the time of hiring, and make it easily accessible to them. the workers corrective and carry out the follow-up corrective action of the The mechanism will use an understandable and transparent process that provides feedback to those Record the date. Close the case 37 concerned, without any retribution. The mechanism will not impede access to other judicial or administrative remedies that might be available under law or through existing arbitration procedures, or substitute for grievance mechanisms provided through collective bargaining powers. Once a worker’s grievance has failed to be addressed at contractor’s level it is then escalated to the supervision consultant, implementing agency, District GRC, MEMD PCU and finally to the Project steering committee that shall be chaired by the Permanent Secretary-MEMD. The Electricity tribunal shall also be engaged for grievances beyond the Project steering committee. It should be noted that some grievances, and crimes will be directly reported to Justice Law and Order sector. This includes police, law society, Directorate of Public Prosecution, Uganda Prison’s Service, among others. All workers, contractors shall sign Codes of Conduct (CoC) and shall be bound by the clauses there in. Awareness raising, training shall be undertaken prior to signature of CoC and all through during project implementation. This will ensure that all the requirements in CoC’s are clearly understood by all workers. T his CoC’s shall prohibit workers from engaging in SEA, GBV, and VAC while employed under the project. Sanctions will be applied if a worker is confirmed as a perpetrator such as formal warming, suspension from duty, termination or referral to the police or other authorities as warranted. 9.0 STEP BY STEP PROCESS IN PREPARING THE STAKEHOLDER ENGAGAEMENT PLAN (SEP) The purpose of preparing the Stakeholder Engagement Plan is to explain how Stakeholder Engagement will be implemented throughout the course of the project and which methods will be used as part of the process, as well as to outline the responsibilities of contractors, consultants, communities, national and local governments, implementing Agencies in the implementation of Stakeholder Engagement activities under the EASP. The SEP will outline how people will be notified and given opportunities for consultation and in their 38 preferred language. The SEP shall also outline how project Grievances will be identified, received, responded to, by when/whom and how stakeholders will be involved the monitoring of the EASP. The envisaged nature and scale and nature of project risks is moderate and the SEP shall be commensurate to these impacts. Indeed, the involvement of the local and National stakeholders will be an essential component of the project, so as to ensure smooth collaboration between project staff and communities and minimize and mitigate environmental and social risks related to the project. 9.1 Introduction/Project Description Brief description of EASP project, the stage of the project, its purpose, and what decisions are currently under consideration on which public input is sought. Describe location and, where possible, include a map of the project site(s) and surrounding area, showing communities and proximity to sensitive sites, and including any worker accommodation, lay-down yards, or other temporary activities that also may impact stakeholders. Provide a link to, or attach a nontechnical summary of, the potential social and environmental risks and impacts of the project. 9.2 Brief Summary of Previous Stakeholder Engagement Activities If consultation or disclosure activities have been undertaken to date, including information disclosure and informal or formal meetings/or consultation, provide a summary of those activities (no more than half a page), the information disclosed, and where more detailed information on these previous activities can be obtained (for example, a link, or physical location, or make available on request). 9.3 Stakeholder Identification and Analysis Identify key stakeholders who will be informed and consulted about the project, including individuals, groups, or communities that: Are affected or likely to be affected by the project (project-affected parties); and May have an interest in the project (other interested parties). Depending on the nature and scope of the project and its potential risks and impacts, examples of other potential stakeholders may include government authorities, local organizations, NGOs, and companies, and nearby communities. Stakeholders may also include politicians, labor unions, academics, religious groups, national social and environmental public-sector agencies, and the media. 9.3.1. Affected Parties Identify individuals, groups, local communities, and other stakeholders that may be directly or indirectly affected by the project, positively or negatively. The SEP should focus particularly on those directly and adversely affected by project activities. Mapping the impact zones by placing the affected communities within a geographic area can help define or refine the project’s area of influence. The SEP should identify others who think they may be affected, and who will need additional information to understand the limits of project impacts. 9.3.2. Other Interested Parties Identify broader stakeholders who may be interested in the project because of its location, its proximity to natural or other resources, or because of the sector or parties involved in the project. These may be local government officials, community leaders, and civil society organizations, particularly those who work in or with the affected communities. While these groups may not be directly affected by the project, they may have a role in the project preparation (for example, government permitting) or be in a community affected by the project and have a broader concern than their individual household. 39 Moreover, civil society and nongovernmental organizations may have in-depth knowledge about the environmental and social characteristics of the project area and the nearby populations, and can help play a role in identifying risks, potential impacts, and opportunities for the Borrower to consider and address in the assessment process. Some groups may be interested in the project because of the sector it is in (for example health care), and others may wish to have information simply because public finance is being proposed to support the project. It is not important to identify the underlying reasons why people or groups want information about a project—if the information is in the public domain, it should be open to anyone interested. 9.3.3. Disadvantaged / vulnerable individuals or groups It is particularly important to understand project impacts and whether they may disproportionately fall on disadvantaged or vulnerable individuals or groups, who often do not have a voice to express their concerns or understand the impacts of a project. The following can help outline an approach to understand the viewpoints of these groups: a) Identify vulnerable or disadvantaged individuals or groups and the limitations they may have in participating and/or in understanding the project information or participating in the consultation process. b) What might prevent these individuals or groups from participating in the planned process? (For example, language differences, lack of transportation to events, accessibility of venues, disability, lack of understanding of a consultation process). c) How do they normally get information about the community, projects, activities? d) Do they have limitations about time of day or location for public consultation? e) What additional support or resources might be needed to enable these people to participate in the consultation process? (Examples are providing translation into a minority language, sign language, large print or Braille information; choosing accessible venues for events; providing transportation for people in remote areas to the nearest meeting; having small, focused meetings where vulnerable stakeholders are more comfortable asking questions or raising concerns.) f) If there are no organizations active in the project area that work with vulnerable groups, such as persons with disability, contact medical providers, who may be more aware of marginalized groups and how best to communicate with them. g) What recent engagement has the project had with vulnerable stakeholders and their representatives? 40 9.4. Summary of Project Stakeholder Needs Table 6: Project Stakeholders Needs Example Stakeholder Key Language Preferred Specific Needs Group Characteristics Needs notification means (accessibility, large (e-mail, phone, print, child care, radio, letter) daytime meetings) Village A Parents with Approximately 180 Official language Written information, Child care for young children households radio meetings—late affected; 300 afternoon children preferred timing Village B Refugees 38 extended Language Visit with translator Graphics, families, poverty alternative and civil society education on level representative process 9.5 Stakeholder Engagement Program Purpose and timing of stakeholder engagement program Summarize the main goals of the stakeholder engagement program and the envisaged schedule for the various stakeholder engagement activities: at what stages throughout the project’s life they will take p lace, with what periodicity, and what decision is being undertaken on which people’s comments and concerns. If decisions on public meetings, locations, and timing of meetings have not yet been made, provide specific information on how people will be made aware of forthcoming opportunities to review information and provide their views. Include the ESCP as part of such information. 9.6 Proposed Strategy for Information Disclosure Methods used may vary according to target audience. For each media example, identify the specific names, for example, The Daily Monitor and Capital FM, NTV. Table 7: Information Disclosure Channels Stakeholder Proposed Media to be used during information disclosure Categorization Urban Areas TV’s (NTV, NBS, UBC among others), Newspapers, letters, emails, phone calls, physical visits Rural Areas Radios (Capital FM or local radio stations), Use of Local councilors, physical visits, meetings, Women FGD;s, Meetings, physical visits, phone calls, women representatives, Indigenous People FGD’s, use of local distinct language and trusted leaders. Use of skilled translators. PAPs Newspapers, TV’s, Radio’s, physical visits, local councilors, Ministries, Departments Letters, emails, phone calls, reports, meetings, physical field visits among others and Agencies NGO’s GRM’s, General public Newspapers, radio’s, TV’s, 41 The project routinely gets information and may include a more central information source for national interest. A variety of methods of communication should be used to reach the majority of stakeholders. The project should select those that are most appropriate and have a clear rationale for their choices. The plan should include a statement welcoming comments on the proposed engagement plan and suggestions for improvement. For remote stakeholders, it may be necessary to provide for an additional newspaper outlet or separate meeting, or additional documents that should be placed in the public domain. The public domain includes: i. Newspapers, posters, radio, television; ii. Information centers and exhibitions or other visual displays; iii. Brochures, leaflets, posters, nontechnical summary documents and reports; iv. Official correspondence, meetings; v. Website, social media. The strategy should include means to consult with project-affected stakeholders if there are significant changes to the project resulting in additional risks and impacts. Following such consultation, an updated commitment plan will be disclosed. Table 8: Stakeholder engagement commitment plan Example List of Methods Timetable: Target Percentage Responsibiliti Project stage information to proposed Locations/ stakeholders reached es be disclosed dates Construction Traffic Notification Radio twice Villagers, Radio News Community management Radio News daily in weeks including 100.6 reaches Liaison Officer plan 100.6 and copy of disclosure pedestrians 60% of village in village hall and drivers Poster on Poster on bulletin board community reaches bulletin board another percentage of the population 9.7 Proposed strategy for consultation Briefly describe the methods that will be used to consult with each of the stakeholder groups. Methods used may vary according to target audience, for example: i. Interviews with stakeholders and relevant organization ii. Surveys, polls, and questionnaires iii. Public meetings, workshops, and/or focus groups on specific topic iv. Participatory methods Table 9: Consultation Framework Example Project Topic of Method used Timetable: Target Responsibilities stage consultation Location and stakeholders dates Construction Traffic safety Discussion with ABC elementary Parents and Community village schools school September children in village Liaison Officer Public meeting 4, 3:00 p.m. Community (CLO) Village A town hall Transportation September 8, 5:30 Engineer, p.m. Manager, CLO 42 9.8 Proposed Strategy to Incorporate the Views of Vulnerable Groups Describe how the views of vulnerable or disadvantaged groups will be sought during the consultation process. Which measures will be used to remove obstacles to participation? This may include separate mechanisms for consultation and grievances, developing measures that allow access to project benefits, and so forth. 9.9 Timelines Provide information on timelines for project phases and key decisions. Provide deadlines for comments. 9.10 Review of Comments Explain how comments will be gathered (written and oral comments) and reviewed, and commit to reporting back to stakeholders on the final decision and a summary of how comments were taken into account. 9.11 Future Phases of the Project Explain that people will be kept informed as the project develops, including reporting on project environmental and social performance and implementation of the stakeholder engagement plan and grievance mechanism. Projects should report at least annually to stakeholders, but often will report more frequently during particularly active periods, when the public may experience more impacts or when phases are changing (for example, quarterly reports during construction, then annual reports during implementation). 9.12 Resources and responsibilities for implementing Stakeholder Engagement activities 9.12.1 Resources Indicate what resources will be devoted to managing and implementing the Stakeholder Engagement Plan, in particular: a. Which people are in charge of the SEP? b. Confirm that an adequate budget has been allocated toward stakeholder engagement c. Provide contact information if people have comments or questions about the project or the consultation process; that is, phone number, address, e-mail address, title of responsible person. 9.12.2 Management Functions and Responsibilities Describe how stakeholder engagement activities will be incorporated into the project’s management system and indicate what staff will be devoted to managing and implementing the Stakeholder Engagement Plan: • Who will be responsible for carrying out each of the stakeholder engagement activities and what are the qualifications of those responsible? • How involved will management be in stakeholder engagement? • How will the process be documented, tracked, and managed (for example, stakeholder database, commitments register, and so forth)? 9.13 Grievance Mechanism Describe the process by which people affected by the project can bring their grievances and concerns to the project management’s attention, and how they will be considered and addressed: a) Is there an existing formal or informal grievance mechanism, and does it meet the requirements of ESS10? Can it be adapted or does something new need to be established? b) Is the grievance mechanism culturally appropriate, that is, is it designed to take into account culturally 43 appropriate ways of handling community concerns? For example, in cultures where men and women have separate meetings, can a woman raise a concern to a woman in the project grievance process? c) What process will be used to document complaints and concerns? Who will receive public grievances? How will they be logged and monitored? d) What time commitments will be made to acknowledge and resolve issues? Will there be ongoing communication with the complainant throughout the process? e) How will the existence of the grievance mechanism be communicated to all stakeholder groups? Are separate processes needed for vulnerable stakeholders? f) If a complaint is not considered appropriate to investigate, will an explanation be provided to the complainant on why it could not be pursued? g) Will there be an appeals process if the complainant is not satisfied with the proposed resolution of the complaint? Not all projects will necessarily have an appeals process, but it is advisable to include one for more complex projects. In all cases, complainants need to be reassured that they still have all their legal rights under their national judicial process. h) A summary of implementation of the grievance mechanism should be provided to the public on a regular basis, after removing identifying information on individuals to protect their identities. How often will reports go into the public domain to show that the process is being implemented? 9.14 Monitoring and Reporting 9.14.1 Involvement of stakeholders in monitoring activities Some projects include a role for third parties in monitoring the project or impacts associated with the project. Describe any plans to involve project stakeholders (including affected communities) or third-party monitors in the monitoring of project impacts and mitigation programs. The criteria for selection of third parties should be clear. For further information, see the World Bank’s Good Practice Note on Third -Party Monitoring. 9.14.2 Reporting back to stakeholder groups Describe how, when, and where the results of stakeholder engagement activities will be reported back to both affected stakeholders and broader stakeholder groups. It is advised that these reports rely on the same sources of communication that were used earlier to notify stakeholders. Stakeholders should always be reminded of the availability of the grievance mechanism. 44 REFERENCES 1. World Bank. 2017. Environmental and Social Framework. 2. World Bank. 2018a. Template for ESS10: Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Stakeholder Engagement Framework . Environmental and Social Framework for IPF Operations. ESS10: Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure. 3. World Bank. 2018b. Guidance Note for Borrowers. Environmental and Social Framework for IPF Operations. ESS10: Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure. 4. National Environment Act, 2019 45 ANNEX 1: EASP CONSULTATION CHECKLIST No Question Stakeholder Categorization Community National Others (NGO, Media, Member Stakeholder World Bank)etc 1 What is your preferred mode of communication during project preparation, implementation and Closure? 2 How do you normally get information about community, project activities? (e.g for NEMA, explain about disclosure and feedback and the multi-sectoral approach towards disseminating information) 3 Are there any limitations about time of day or location for public consultations? Day/Time/location preferences 4 What need-specific resources might be needed to enable vulnerable, marginalized people participate in meaningful, free prior informed and fair consultation process? 5 Describe briefly what kind of information should be disclosed, type of method that should be used to communicate to each stakeholder group? What kind of information would you like to know about the project to enable free prior informed consent, social acceptance among the community and meaningful participation and your preffered method and language of project information sharing. What are the structures for information disclosure( right from district level) NITAU-How best can we use your networks to share project information 6 What other stakeholders would be interested in the project because of its location, proximity to natural resources, vulnerable people etc. 7 What are the social, economic and environmental characteristics of the project area and nearby populations? What role can the community play in identifying risks, potential impacts, opportunities to consider in the assessment process? What are the risks, impacts, opportunities that may arise as a result of implementation of the project. 8 Are there any active organization’s in the project area that work with vulnerable groups such as person’s with disabilities, indigenous people, widows etc? 9 Describe the ways in which people affected by the project can bring their concerns to project management’s attention? How should grievances be addressed? –How are the grievances currently handled in the community and what would be the most appropriate way to handle the grievances.(cultural appropriateness in GRM) 10 Is there any formal or informal grievance redress mechanism in the area? 11 How should the existence of a project grievance redress mechanism be communicated to you? 12 How can the project involve you in enforcement and monitoring project activities? 46 1.2 RESPONDENTS DISAGGREGATED BY GENDER The disaggregation of respondents was based on Ministry, Department and Agency consulted. This has been presented in Tables 4. It’s evident that most respondents were Male engaged in the implementation of safeguards and others in management positions. In addition, female's in similar positions were also part of the consultative process and this provided a gendered perspective to stakeholder concerns. The table below shows the questions raised and responses obtained. No Institution Consulted Males Females Total 1 Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities 8 2 10 2 National Forestry Authority 8 5 13 3 Uganda Solar Energy Association 5 3 8 4 Finix Ultra Tech International 10 3 13 5 Uganda Wildlife Authority 7 3 10 6 Ministry of Lands Housing &Urban Development 8 10 18 7 Department of Museums and Monuments 8 4 12 1.3 STAKEHOLDER RESPONSES DURING CONSULTATIVE MEETINGS Stakeholder: National Forestry Authority (NFA) Time : 9:45 AM to 12:04 PM Date: Tues 11 Feb 2020 Venue: NFA Headquarters, Bugolobi, Kampala Chairperson: Ms. Justine Aheebwa No Questions Stakeholder Responses 1 What is your preferred mode of communication MEMD and EASP project implementing agencies can use email, letters, phone during project preparation, implementation and calls, meetings among others. Closure? NFA guided MEMD to use role plays, TV’s, surveys, use of local languages, local councilors. The Authority emphasized on the use of consultative meetings. This empowers the community members, makes them feel valued and respected. Local council chairpersons are usually the designated translator’s in their community engagements. 2 How do you normally get information about We normally get information about field activities through our field offices country community, project activities? (e.g for NEMA, wide. NFA has had several engagements with Government Agencies on through explain about disclosure and feedback and the engagements like this consultation meeting. multi-sectoral approach towards disseminating information) 3 Are there any limitations about time of day or The most appropriate time for public consultations would be during afternoons location for public consultations? when the majority of the people are back from the garden. This should be backed Day/Time/location preferences up by community mobilizations on radio, phone calls among others. 4 What specific resources might be needed to There is need to let their own people speak to them during consultations as way enable vulnerable, marginalized people of building trust and confidence in the consultation process. We as NFA normally participate in meaningful, free prior informed and use the local community members as translators during the consultation process. fair consultation process? 47 5 Describe briefly what kind of information should Inform stakeholders about government’s efforts to ensure electricity supply be disclosed, type of method that should be used reliability and increased coverage. Most people think that energy tariffs are very to communicate to each stakeholder group? What high. Stakeholders need to be sensitized about clean energy solutions and its kind of information would you like to know about related benefits. the project to enable free prior informed consent, social acceptance among the community and Information can be disclosed using radio and television talk shows, use of LC’s, meaningful participation and your preferred skilled translators. method and language of project information sharing? What are the structures for information Disclose information regarding collaborative forest management. Where 5% of disclosure (right from district level) community forest reserves can enable population surrounding forest reserves start up something productive for themselves. For instance, apiary, tree planting and so forth NITAU-How best can we use your networks to Our networks can be used to create awareness and promote green cooking to share project information replace charcoal and firewood. Promote the planting of fruit trees which can be enjoyed by vulnerable people and various stakeholders. Our networks can be used to create awareness. For example according to the international law, refugees should be settled at least 100km from the country they are fleeing. Uganda does not seem to observe this because in the case of Moyo district, refugees were settled near Sudan. Settlements should be at least 50km from forest reserves. Our networks can be used to address landscape issues holistically to avoid grievance issues. 6 What other stakeholders would be interested in The refugees and other marginalized groups like the tepeths, Batwa, Ndorobos, the project because of its location, proximity to Irk. This group of stakeholders would be more interested on off grid power for natural resources, vulnerable people etc. instance solar power. 7 What are the social, economic and environmental characteristics of the project area and nearby People living near forest reserves use firewood for cooking. Charcoal burning is populations? What role can the community play major source of livelihood for populations living near forests. in identifying risks, potential impacts, opportunities to consider in the assessment Absentee landlords cause delays in RAP implementation. process? What are the risks, impacts, There are numerous forest encroachers due to lack of clean energy. opportunities that may arise as a result of implementation of the project. 8 Are there any active organization’s in the project Yes, there are various NGOs in the communities and districts that have been area that work with vulnerable groups such as working with vulnerable widows and PWDs. person’s with disabilities, indigenous people, widows etc? 9 Describe the ways in which people affected by the Through their cultural, local council and religious leaders because they are project can bring their concerns to project respectable members of communities. management’s attention? How should grievances be addressed? –How are the grievances currently Grievances should be addressed in a culturally appropriate way. Respect for handled in the community and what would be the opinion leaders and dialogue should be upheld. Parents of some of the forest most appropriate way to handle the grievances. encroachers, refugees were killed in wars and have no origin. (cultural appropriateness in GRM) 10 Is there any formal or informal grievance redress Yes, NFA has legal frameworks that addresses grievances. There is a policy mechanism in the area? document that talks about Eco systems, social impact assessments, collaborative forest management which are well laid in the law. 11 How should the existence of a project grievance Through policies guiding resettlements. Landscape issues must be addressed redress mechanism be communicated to you? holistically to avoid grievances. 12 How can the project involve you in enforcement NFA has the capacity to support in grievance redress by mapping out illegal and monitoring project activities? settlements in forest reserves, sensitization on clean cooking is key to all project stakeholders. The project should promote bamboo tree planting and save the environment. 48 Stakeholder: Uganda Solar Energy Association (USEA) Time: 14:30 PM End: 15:59 PM Date: Tues 11 Feb 2020 Venue: USEA Headquarters, Naguru, Kampala Chairperson: Ms. Joyce Nkuyanga No Questions Responses 1 What is your preferred mode of communication during project We communicate to our stakeholders through radio talk shows, preparation, implementation and Closure? community meetings, use of trusted local leaders. 2 How do you normally get information about community, project USEA has various solar companies under the umbrella of solar activities? Uganda throughout Uganda. Information is obtained from the association. 3 Are there any limitations about time of day or location for public We recommend day time as most appropriate for public consultations? Day/Time/location preferences consultations. 4 What need-specific resources might be needed to enable The vulnerable group need people are usually comfortable when vulnerable, marginalized people participate in meaningful, free information is passed from LC’s to them. prior informed consultation process? 5 Describe briefly what kind of information should be disclosed, The EASP project should clearly disclose to stakeholders whether type of method that should be used to communicate to each solar will be free or subsidized. This can be done using local radio stakeholder group? What kind of information would you like to stations, local languages. The use of translators should also be know about the project to enable free prior informed consent, advocated for. social acceptance among the community and meaningful participation and your preferred method and language of project information sharing. NITAU-How best can we use your networks to share project In the last two months alone, we managed to distribute over 10,000 information solar units. That is how big we are and therefore the ministry can use this network to share project information. 6 What other stakeholders would be interested in the project The People with Disability (PWDs), farmers’ groups, local because of its location, proximity to natural resources, governments, SACCO leaders and other NGOs like Send a Cow vulnerable people etc. Uganda. 7 What are the social, economic and environmental Solar customers are predominantly farmers. Agriculture is their characteristics of the project area and nearby populations? main source of livelihood. They depend on kerosene for lighting. What role can the community play in identifying risks, potential impacts, opportunities to consider in the assessment process? The community can play the role of information sharing and can What are the risks, impacts, opportunities that may arise as a act as watch dogs of the project. result of implementation of the project? 8 Are there any active organization’s in the project area that work USEA mainly engages with the local governments. with vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, indigenous people, widows etc? 9 Describe the ways in which people affected by the project can People affected by the project can use emails and phone calls to bring their concerns to project management’s attention? How convey their concerns to the project management team. should grievances be addressed? –How are the grievances Grievances should be addressed through established policy currently handled in the community and what would be the frameworks that guide the project. most appropriate way to handle the grievances. (cultural In communities, grievances are handled by the local leaders who appropriateness in GRM) engage both parties involved and try to solve issues amicably. 10 Is there any formal or informal grievance redress mechanism Solar Uganda Association has guiding policies that aid grievance in the area? redress. 11 How should the existence of a project grievance redress Through trainings, emails and direct phone calls. mechanism be communicated to you? 12 How can the project involve you in enforcement and monitoring As USEA, we are willing to work with the ministry to monitor the project activities? quality of work and panels to meet the required standards. USEA is aware that there are uncertified distributors of solar panels out 49 there that need to be controlled so that people are not conned off money. STAKEHOLDER: SOLAR COMPANIES (FENIX) START: 15:15 PM END: 16:45 PM DATE: TUES 12 FEB 2020 VENUE: FENIX HEADQUARTERS, KOLOLO, KAMPALA CHAIRPERSON: Ms. Joyce Nkuyanga No QUESTION ANSWERS 1 What is your preferred mode of communication during Fenix prefers telephone communication as the best mode of project preparation, implementation and Closure? communication. This is because Fenix Uganda has an efficient call center that controls the entire communication aspect of the business. 2 How do you normally get information about community, Fenix has a telephone call center who get information about project project activities? (e.g for NEMA, explain about disclosure activities from the communities and give feedback to the management. and feedback and the multi-sectoral approach towards disseminating information) 3 Are there any limitations about time of day or location for Day time is most appropriate for consultations and most especially public consultations? Day/Time/location preferences morning hours as long as there is efficient and effective mobilization. 4 What need-specific resources might be needed to enable The vulnerable group need people whom they are familiar with in the vulnerable, marginalized people participate in meaningful, communities like L. Cs to be speak to them during community free prior informed and fair consultation process? engagements. 5 Describe briefly what kind of information should be It should be disclosed that Fenix in a bid to handle E-waste disclosed, type of method that should be used to management, there is a small amount money they pay to any client communicate to each stakeholder group? What kind of who returns the used up batteries which were once purchased from information would you like to know about the project to them. enable free prior informed consent, social acceptance among the community and meaningful participation and your The project needs to clearly communicate to stakeholders if solar preffered method and language of project information systems will be subsidized. sharing. What are the structures for information disclosure( Information can be disclosed using radios, TV, use of translators right from district level) among others. NITAU-How best can we use your networks to share project There are many companies that supply solar energy that we work with information across the country. MEMD and project implementing agencies can use the solar company’s networks to reach to pass information. Uganda Solar Energy Authority is committed to work with the Ministry to promote off grid power when called upon. 6 What other stakeholders would be interested in the project The SACCO groups, farmers and the refugees. because of its location, proximity to natural resources, vulnerable people etc. 7 What are the social, economic and environmental It was observed that the people living in the project areas are farmers characteristics of the project area and nearby populations? and earn their living from agriculture. What role can the community play in identifying risks, potential impacts, opportunities to consider in the The risks that may arise is; whenever there’s a subsidy, there are assessment process? What are the risks, impacts, always cases of corruption. opportunities that may arise as a result of implementation of the project. 8 Are there any active organization’s in the project area that Yes, Finix supplies solar systems and panels in Kyangwali refugee work with vulnerable groups such as person’s with settlement. disabilities, indigenous people, widows etc? 9 Describe the ways in which people affected by the project People affected by the project can use emails and phone calls to can bring their concerns to project management’s attention? deliver their concerns to management. How should grievances be addressed? –How are the 50 grievances currently handled in the community and what Grievances should be addressed through established policy would be the most appropriate way to handle the frameworks that guide the project. grievances.(cultural appropriateness in GRM) In communities, grievances are handled by the local leaders who engage both parties involved and try to solve issues amicably. 10 Is there any formal or informal grievance redress mechanism The company has its policies for addressing grievances that may arise in the area? from time to time. Workers are bound by codes of conduct. 11 How should the existence of a project grievance redress mechanism be communicated to you? Informally, in the communities, there are local council leaders who help in grievance redress. 12 How can the project involve you in enforcement and The company can participate in community sensitizations on battery monitoring project activities? disposal, installations. Stakeholder: Uganda Wildlife Authority UWA Start: 10:12 AM End: 11:33 AM Date: Thurs 13 Feb 2020 Venue: UWA Headquarters, Kampala Chairperson: Mr. Edgar Buhanga, Director-Planning and Policy, UWA. No QUESTION ANSWERS 1 What is your preferred mode of communication during project All communication channelled to UWA office are usually through preparation, implementation and Closure? the office of the Executive Director-UWA then channeled to the lower subordinates. 2 How do you normally get information about community, project UWA gets information from community conservation activities? (e.g for NEMA, explain about disclosure and departments. feedback and the multi-sectoral approach towards disseminating information) 3 Are there any limitations about time of day or location for public Always daytime is the perfect time. Animals can injure people if consultations? Day/Time/location preferences meetings are held in the evening hours. 4 What need-specific resources might be needed to enable Marginalized groups like the refugees do not exist in the parks. vulnerable, marginalized people participate in meaningful, free Settlements are strictly prohibited in Protected Areas prior informed and fair consultation process? 5 Describe briefly what kind of information should be disclosed, Music, dance and drama. type of method that should be used to communicate to each stakeholder group? What kind of information would you like to There are a number of UWA offices that have no electricity. know about the project to enable free prior informed consent, These offices need off grid systems. social acceptance among the community and meaningful participation and your preferred method and language of Consult the Department of Museums and Monuments (DMM) project information sharing? What are the structures for for the archaeological sites on information to be disclosed. information disclosure (right from district level) NITAU-How best can we use your networks to share project The Ministry is networked and the project can easily obtain any information information related to tourism, wildlife. 6 What other stakeholders would be interested in the project Hoteliers, Researchers for instance WCS, WWF, AWF, Tour because of its location, proximity to natural resources, Operators vulnerable people etc. 7 What are the social, economic and environmental The UWA project area is predominantly national parks, regional characteristics of the project area and nearby populations? offices and outposts. The National park have no settlements. What role can the community play in identifying risks, potential Nearby community members inform the authority of animals impacts, opportunities to consider in the assessment process? who have crossed to communities. What are the risks, impacts, opportunities that may arise as a result of implementation of the project? 51 8 Are there any active organization’s in the project area that work There are no persons with disability in the wildlife parks. with vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, indigenous people, widows etc.? 9 Describe the ways in which people affected by the project can Through phone calls, emails and local council leaders. bring their concerns to project management’s attention? How Grievances should be addressed through established policy should grievances be addressed? –How are the grievances frameworks that guide the project. currently handled in the community and what would be the most appropriate way to handle the grievances. (cultural We entrust the district leaders and local council leaders to appropriateness in GRM) handle grievances only on cases of animals who have crossed the parks to the communities. 10 Is there any formal or informal grievance redress mechanism There are few grievances that are handled at the national parks. in the area? However, in cases where a tourist who legally enters the park is attacked by animals, we use the district leadership and local leaders. In case of death, victims are compensated. 11 How should the existence of a project grievance redress All communication channelled to UWA office are usually through mechanism be communicated to you? the office of the Executive Director-UWA. 12 How can the project involve you in enforcement and monitoring UWA recommends the EASP team to involve UWA when project activities? visiting Conservation Area for instance; Murchison Falls, Kibale Conservation Area, Bwindi and Muhangahinga, Queen Elizabeth CA, Lake Mburo. Stakeholder: Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development Start: 10:05 AM End: 11:55 AM Date: Friday 14 Feb 2020 Venue: MoGLSD Headquarters, Kampala Chairperson: Mr. Bernard Mujuni, Commissioner and Equity, MoGLSD Chairperson: Mr. Edgar Buhanga, Director-Planning and Policy, UWA. No QUESTION ANSWERS 1 What is your preferred mode of communication during project We use emails, official letters, fax and sometimes, music preparation, implementation and Closure? dance and drama so that the people get the picture of what is being communicated. 2 How do you normally get information about community, project From opinion leaders, faith based organizations that tell us activities? what is going on. 3 Are there any limitations about time of day or location for public Day time is always the best. You can’t risk or feel safe holding consultations? Day/Time/location preferences consultations late evenings in communities. 4 What need-specific resources might be needed to enable Equal Opportunities Policy, Gender Policy, provide for the vulnerable, marginalized people participate in meaningful, free minorities in Uganda. Power be accessible to even the prior informed and fair consultation process? marginalized people. 5 Describe briefly what kind of information should be disclosed, type People need to be told to embrace government projects in of method that should be used to communicate to each order to benefit. stakeholder group? What kind of information would you like to know about the project to enable free prior informed consent, Disclose information about tangible and intangible culture so social acceptance among the community and meaningful that the implementation team gets to know what fits the participation and your preferred method and language of project community values. information sharing? What are the structures for information disclosure(right from district level) Let the community/ local leaders talk to the people in the language they understand best. This method enhances community participation. NITAU-How best can we use your networks to share project We have many organizations in all districts that give us information feedback and communicate issues related to gender ministry’s’ mandate. 52 6 What other stakeholders would be interested in the project • Engage the Civil Society Organizations in the because of its location, proximity to natural resources, vulnerable implementation of EASP to avoid or minimize litigation people etc. • Faith Based Organizations • Use Community Development Officers • Undertake Capacity building for other relevant Ministries, Departments and Authorities, especially the Social Development Sector in order to support EASP implementation. • Continue with stakeholder engagement at all stages of the EASP implementation • Develop a Communication Strategy to create synergies with other MDAs • Use social media, radio, drama, skits, Local Leaders, TV, print media, etc as may be appropriate for various segments of the stakeholders • Always include MoGLSD among the stakeholder engagement and IEC materials 7 What are the social, economic and environmental characteristics Communities characterized by people that survive on less of the project area and nearby populations? What role can the than a dollar per day and farmers mostly. community play in identifying risks, potential impacts, opportunities to consider in the assessment process? What are the risks, The risk that may occur as result of implementation of the impacts, opportunities that may arise as a result of implementation project include; Defilement, HIV/ AIDS, Child labor, sexual of the project. exploitation and abuse. 8 Are there any active organization’s in the project area that work Yes, we work with various NGOs like USAID, World Vision and with vulnerable groups such as person’s with disabilities, police among others. indigenous people, widows etc? 9 Describe the ways in which people affected by the project can The people can bring their concerns through print media, bring their concerns to project management’s attention? How social media, engaging local leaders and cultural groups should grievances be addressed? –How are the grievances (through Music dance and drama). currently handled in the community and what would be the most appropriate way to handle the grievances. (cultural appropriateness in GRM) 10 Is there any formal or informal grievance redress mechanism in the There are local council leaders, police, cultural leaders who area? help in the communities 11 How should the existence of a project grievance redress Phone calls, emails, letters and through village grievance mechanism be communicated to you? redress committees. 12 How can the project involve you in enforcement and monitoring There are things that are overlooked. Involve the ministry in all project activities? social aspects of the project. For example physical cultural resources, children affairs, gender among others. Stakeholder: Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Start: 09:37 AM End: 10:50 AM Date: Tuesday 18 Feb 2020 Venue: MLHUD Headquarters, Kampala Chairperson: Mr. Emmanuel Kaganzi, Commissioner Physical Planning, MLHUD. No Questions Responses 53 1 What is your preferred mode of communication during Phone calls, letters, emails, TV’s, radio talk shows among others. project preparation, implementation and Closure? 2 How do you normally get information about community, Letters, emails, phone calls, Community feedback, project activities? (e.g for NEMA, explain about disclosure reconnaissance surveys, RAP reports among others. and feedback and the multi-sectoral approach towards disseminating information) 3 Are there any limitations about time of day or location for Day time is most appropriate for consultations and most especially public consultations? Day/Time/location preferences morning hours as long as there is efficient and effective mobilization. 4 What need-specific resources might be needed to enable The vulnerable group need people whom they are familiar with in vulnerable, marginalized people participate in meaningful, the communities like L. Cs to be speak to them during community free prior informed and fair consultation process? engagements. 5 Describe briefly what kind of information should be RAPs, ESIA’s, disclosed, type of method that should be used to communicate to each stakeholder group? What kind of information would you like to know about the project to enable free prior informed consent, social acceptance among the community and meaningful participation and your preffered method and language of project information sharing. What are the structures for information disclosure( right from district level) NITAU-How best can we use your networks to share There are many companies that supply solar energy that we work project information with across the country that you can use our networks to reach to them and pass information. Uganda Solar Energy Authority is committed to work with the Ministry to promote off grid power when called upon. 6 What other stakeholders would be interested in the project The SACCO groups, farmers and the refugees. because of its location, proximity to natural resources, vulnerable people etc. 7 What are the social, economic and environmental It was observed that the people living in the project areas are characteristics of the project area and nearby populations? farmers and earn their living from agriculture. What role can the community play in identifying risks, potential impacts, opportunities to consider in the The risks that may arise is; whenever there’s a subsidy, there are assessment process? What are the risks, impacts, always cases of corruption. opportunities that may arise as a result of implementation of the project. 8 Are there any active organization’s in the project area that Yes, there are refugee camps in Kyangwali that Fenix supply solar work with vulnerable groups such as person’s with systems and panels disabilities, indigenous people, widows etc? 9 Describe the ways in which people affected by the project People affected by the project can use emails and phone calls to can bring their concerns to project management’s deliver their concerns to the project management. attention? How should grievances be addressed? –How are the grievances currently handled in the community and Grievances should be addressed through established policy what would be the most appropriate way to handle the frameworks that guide the project. grievances.(cultural appropriateness in GRM) In communities, grievances are handled by the local leaders who engage both parties involved and try to solve issues amicably. 10 Is there any formal or informal grievance redress The company has its policies for addressing grievances that may mechanism in the area? arise from time to time for instance having the right code of conduct, vetting the implementing agencies by UNBS and being creative with marketing to avoid grievances. Informally, in the communities, there are local council leaders who help in the communities 11 How should the existence of a project grievance redress whenever grievances occur. mechanism be communicated to you? We mostly use phone calls, email because a call center is in place to capture any grievances available in the field. 12 How can the project involve you in enforcement and We can be involved to supply solar panels and monitor their monitoring project activities? installations to those populations that are off grid. 54 ANNEX 2: STAKEHOLDER VIEWS ON THE VMGS METHOD OF CONSULTATION: TELEPHONE 1. THE IK, Kamion Sub-county, Kaabong District Names Position/Organisation Telephone contact 1. Lomeli John Mark District Councilor, Kamion Sub-county 0782 911102 2. Nancy SAS/Sub-county Chief, Kamion Sub-county 0782 109980 3. Jimmy District Community Development Officer 0772 448025 2. The Batwa, Kanungu and Kisoro Districts Names Position/Organisation Telephone contact 1. Kalimunda Benon Batwa Community Chairperson, 0787281920 Kanyantorogo sub-county , Kanungu District 2. Mwesigwa Jones SAS/Sub-county Chief, Bwambara Sub- 0782 109980 county, Kanungu District 3. Kamara Christopher Community Batwa Focal Person 0772658174 4. Ngabirano Justus Secretary for Production, Rukungiri District 0774298649 Local Government KEY ISSUES RAISED VMG Group Issues raised The Ik The Ik live in the Morungole mountains in Kamion sub-county, Kaabong District. The Ik community is unique and vulnerable. Apart from being a border population (occupying borderline of Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan), they stay in hilly areas and this makes exposure and access to information and other services difficult. They are highly marginalized and vulnerable. Subsistence Land use The Ik are hunter-gatherers and they depend on honey and fruits from the forests. Those who are able to slope downhills practice subsistence farming with small portions of maize and beans. The Ik are not pastoralists and as a result, they have limited movements and have remained neutral in cattle rustling and other movement related conflicts affecting their neighbours. Poor road network Kamion sub-county and Kaabong District generally is an area characterised by very bad terrain and poor road network. Accessibility to the Ik is a problem mainly due to the mountainous nature of the area. This limits access to markets and other social services. Construction of access roads as part of the project corporate social responsibility will improve communication through road infrastructure development in the area. Socio-economic issues Although the Ik community is positive to development, education levels have remained very low with high rates of school drop-out due to limited number of schools in the area and long distances to schools. There is not much economic activity in the Ikland due to poor roads and accessibility of the area. The Ik sell honey which they harvest from the forests. Forests are an important preserve and source of means of survival and preservation of their unique identity. There is high prevalence of alcohol abuse. Other major social problems include poverty, child marriages and domestic violence. Sensitization about electricity Electricity is a new development in the area and embracing it requires extensive mobilization and sensitization because currently, the existing types of housing and petty economic activities do not seem to press a high demand of electricity in that area. People may be hesitant to electricity connections because they believe it is costly and a privilege that not everyone can afford. Leadership 55 VMG Group Issues raised In 2015, Ik County became a constituency and since 2016 the Ik people got their first representation in Parliament of the Republic of Uganda in the 10th Parliament. Local leadership is optimistic that this representation can help to advocate for further recognition of the Ik to ensure that under the implementation of the NDP III, better infrastructure can be established in the area and electricity once extended in the area can transform the lives of the Ik. The District Local Government works with some voluntary NGOs to address the socio-economic challenges facing the Ik but they still prevail. Other issues and suggestions • Work with and facilitate local government authorities to reach the vulnerable and marginalized community of the Ik in the delineated area and sensitize them about economic opportunities and better farming methods. Implementation of such initiatives through EASP will contribute to the actualization of ongoing government initiatives towards attainment of the various local development goals/ targets for the Ik. • Electricity access is very necessary for schools and health facilities. With access to electricity, local leadership is optimistic that more boarding schools can be established and health centres can be elevated. The only secondary school in the sub-county can have more pupils and improve the education standards of the Ik. • More sensitization and awareness about importance of electricity to households and economic development should be enhanced to effect mindset change. • Provide subsidized power supply to support small enterprises and individuals who cannot currently afford connection, maintenance and electricity bills The Batwa The Batwa tribe which is also known as the Pygmies are one of the vulnerable group living in Kisoro, kabala, Kanungu and Bundibugyo districts. These people are believed to have migrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo in search for wild animals and honey. According to 2002 population census, the Batwa population is about 6000. They live in small huts made of sticks and grass. Poverty High poverty levels in the community caused by highly undependable climate, low produces and low market prices, for their produce even if the community would depend farming. Nature of households and dwelling for electrification The Batwa live in grass-thatched houses and according to their leader, access to electricity and household connections may not be something they will quickly embrace. Most Batwa prefer darkness to light even though many civil societies have been engaged in campaigns to change their perception. There are also fears that without adequate sensitization, many people can be electrocuted. There may be serious challenges with maintenance of electricity equipment and the cost. According to the community leaders, EASP will be of good importance because currently the government has constructed a school within their community and it requires electricity. Inadequate land for settlement Some Batwa people are mobile due to unclear land tenures. They move when their lands are acquired from them or when they need to grow crops, away from where animals threaten to destroy them. When they are not assured of permanent settlement, they construct temporary shelters. Economic activities The Batwa commonly known as beggars have received many initiatives from various NGOs including BPD, BMCT, and UOBDU, but have not yet embraced self-reliance. Kanungu District, for instance, has persistently provided various crop seeds through their agricultural initiatives but the Batwa have in turn sold such agricultural inputs. Although they are known as hunters, they also do other forms of labour at low pay. Some do basic jobs or agriculture, while others make handicrafts and jewelry for sale to locals and tourists. They also do singing and dancing as form of entertainment for payment by visitors. Tourists pay some money to the dancing groups to be entertained. 56 VMG Group Issues raised Education Batwa, access to education means change at the most basic level, such as being able to read public signs and notices. It allows self-sufficiency and promotes self-esteem; it offers the potential to undertake training in technical skills or to access employment, all of which would help Batwa people overcome the poverty they live in. Even when Batwa children do access school, they experience direct and indirect discrimination. Health service access Many Batwa people do not access and utilize health care services because they cannot pay for consultations and medicines. Even in government facilities, they are said to be discriminated as they do not have the documents and identity cards needed to obtain hospital treatment, or are subjected to humiliating and discriminatory treatment. Social dynamics Women participation in social and community management activities is minimal compared to men. There are small numbers of women that participate in community meetings and this reflects the power dynamics in society; few Batwa women have the level of education needed to take up positions in local governance or obtain government employment. Impact of the EASP According to responses from consultations, EASP will not have negative effects to the Batwa community given that no cultural or traditional site will be destroyed during and after the implementation. There is need to work with Local government and Batwa Community leadership structures to undertake oore sensitization and awareness about importance of electricity to households and economic development to effect mindset change and make Batwa become beneficiaries of Government Development initiatives like electricity. Local leadership also propose that the project should provide casual employment to local Batwa instead of importing them from other areas. 57 ANNEX 3-LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 MINISTRIES AND AGENCIES CONSULTATED 1. Stakeholder: Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MOTWA) Start: 10:54 AM End: 12:35 PM Date: Monday 10th Feb 2020 Venue: MoTWA Headquarters, Rwenzori House, Nakasero, Kampala 2. Stakeholder: National Forestry Authority (NFA) Start: 9:45 AM End: 12:04 PM Date: Tues 11 Feb 2020 Venue: NFA Headquarters, Bugolobi, Kampala 3. Stakeholder: Uganda Solar Energy Association (USEA) Start: 4:30 PM End: 15:59 PM Date: Tues 11 Feb 2020 Venue: USEA Headquarters, Naguru, Kampala 4. Stakeholder: SOLAR COMPANIES ( FENIX AND VILLAGE SOLAR COMPANIES) Start: 15:15 PM End: 16:45 PM Date: Tues 12 Feb 2020 Venue: Finix Headquarters, Kololo, Kampala 5. Stakeholder: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Start: 10:12 AM End: 11:33 AM Date: Thurs 13 Feb 2020 Venue: UWA Headquarters, Kampala 6. Stakeholder: Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) Start: 10:05 AM End: 11:55 AM Date: Friday 14 Feb 2020 Venue: MoGLSD Headquarters, Kampala 7. Stakeholder: Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MLHUD) Start: 09:37 AM End: 10:50 AM Date: Tuesday 18 Feb 2020 Venue: MLHUD Headquarters, Kampala 8. Stakeholder: Department of Museums and Monuments (DMM) Start: 11:25 AM End: 1:03 PM Date: Wednesday 19 Feb 2020 Venue: DMM Headquarters, Kampala 73