Kampala, Uganda. In a recent investigation conducted by the BBC World Service, a startling revelation has emerged, exposing a network of social media accounts seemingly operating in tandem to advance the interests of the Ugandan government and the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
The online landscape has become a battleground where information is weaponised, with hundreds of accounts engaged in a coordinated effort to propagate narratives aligned with the Ugandan government’s agenda.
As part of this orchestrated campaign, false claims about the EACOP are being disseminated, accompanied by aggressive attacks against individuals opposing the project, both within Uganda and internationally.
The Coordinated Campaign
The BBC investigation has uncovered a highly organised and strategic effort involving many social media accounts working collaboratively to amplify the Ugandan government’s perspectives on the EACOP.
These accounts, operating across various platforms, are pushing a narrative that supports the government’s stance on the pipeline project, while simultaneously discrediting and targeting critics.
False Claims and Misinformation:
One alarming aspect of this social media campaign is the deliberate dissemination of false claims about the EACOP. The coordinated effort involves spreading misleading information to shape public opinion in favour of the project.
The false narratives not only misrepresent the facts surrounding the pipeline but also serve to undermine opposition voices, creating an environment where dissent is suppressed through misinformation.
Vicious Targeting of Opponents
As part of this information warfare, those opposing the EACOP find themselves at the receiving end of relentless online attacks. Critics, both within Uganda and abroad, are facing a barrage of vicious targeting from the network of social media accounts.
The attacks range from character assassination to online harassment, creating a hostile environment for anyone expressing dissenting views on the controversial pipeline.
Yisito Kayinga Muddu, Programs Coordinator of the Community Transformation Foundation Network (COTFONE), reported a break-in at the organisation’s offices, with thieves making off with laptops, tablets, and crucial files related to the EACOP compensation efforts. Kayinga alleges receiving threats before the burglary, indicating potential targeting due to his activism.
The two break-ins occurred in February and September 2022 at the Organisation’s offices in Masaka City. Six assailants breached the premises, attempting to enter Kayinga’s home as well.
The stolen files contained grievance statements from EACOP-affected individuals, prepared for legal action. This incident raises concerns about the security of those advocating for community rights amid the controversial pipeline project.
From its inception, Civil society organisations have always campaigned against the 1,443 km pipeline project due to its human rights violations and diverse impacts on vital ecosystems and wildlife in the country.
Last year, four activists from the StopEACOP campaign were arrested during a peaceful protest against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
Bob Barigye, Mutesi Zarika, Naruwada Shamim, and Nalusiba Phionah have been held at the Kampala Central Police Station, sparking outrage over the violation of their rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
Despite being charged with inciting violence, evidence in the public domain suggested that the protesters were met with police brutality while peacefully expressing concerns about the EACOP project’s environmental and social impacts.
The Influence Quotient
The extent of influence wielded by this network of social media accounts is a matter of significant concern. The investigation aims to assess the reach and impact of these accounts in shaping public opinion, both within Uganda and on the international stage.
Understanding the scale of influence is pivotal in developing strategies to counteract the spread of misinformation and ensure a more transparent discourse surrounding the EACOP.
TotalEnergies and the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) have not issued any statements refuting the allegations or addressing specific aspects of the ongoing investigation.
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