In Uganda, 11 environmental activists were charged after protesting at the EU Mission against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project. They aimed to urge the EU to pressure France to withdraw support for Total Energies. The Ugandan government insists EACOP is essential despite mounting concerns over its environmental and human rights implications.
In Kampala, Uganda, 11 environmental activists have been charged and remanded to Luzira prison after staging a protest at the European Union Mission opposing the construction of the $5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The group, primarily members of Students Against EACOP Uganda, was arrested on February 26, 2025, during an effort to deliver a petition urging the EU to pressure France to halt support for Total Energies, the principal shareholder of the project.
Among the arrested activists are Shaffic Kalyango, Joseph Ssengozi, and Namuddu Rahima, alongside others such as Gilbert Nayebare, Arafat Mawanda, and Hillary Mangeni. Their demonstration aimed to advocate for the termination of a project that they assert poses significant environmental risks and human rights violations. Notably, the pipeline, which stretches 1,443 kilometers, is projected to transport crude oil from Uganda to Tanzania.
The protest activity disrupted business operations at the EU Mission, leading to charges of common nuisance against the participants under Section 65(e) of the Road Acts Cap 346. Despite the acknowledgment of social and environmental concerns, the Ugandan government contends that EACOP is vital for the nation’s oil industry, with ongoing construction reported in both Uganda and Tanzania.
Kaye Yudah, the head of mobilization for Students Against EACOP Uganda, highlighted allegations of human rights abuses linked to the project, asserting the compulsory acquisition of land affecting over 86,000 individuals from more than 13,292 households. As the project progresses with expectations to commence operations in 2027, ongoing protests reflect continued public opposition to the environmental and social impacts associated with the pipeline.
The recent charges against the environmental activists represent the growing tensions surrounding the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project in Uganda. Activists emphasize the environmental degradation and human rights issues inherent to the project while the Ugandan government defends it as crucial for national development. As legal challenges mount, the future of EACOP remains uncertain amidst public outcry and protests.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
