It is however surprising that powerful institutions and private companies do not care a damn. As a representative of a human rights organization, we protest against the decision to build the dam which was top down decision by the executive in Uganda, prompted by useless incentives from the benefiting company. Today we talk about participatory development but this is often an academic and public relations phraseology. Neither has AES bothered to consult with academic and human rights institutions such as ours. The project will drown Bujagali Falls, a national treasure and culturally important site.
Tourism is the second largest source of foreign exchange in Uganda.
As far as we can tell, this question, along with many others from concerned citizens, have not been addressed by Bank staff. The EIA and other project documents have downplayed the economic impacts the dam will have on the growing whitewater rafting and tourism industries, while indicating there will be increased tourism opportunities in the area and other economic benefits for local people from the dam project. In reality, the reservoir is not likely to draw tourists. The dam itself will employ only 29 people after construction, according to the EIA, and probably most of these will be foreigners. And although the Owen Falls Dam is right next door, the town of Jinja has been in steady decline for years.