A group of over 100 men, women, and children gathered in Kikuube District, on Monday staged a protest against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.
Holding placards with bold messages like “Stop EACOP” and “No to land grabs,” the protesters, many of them barefoot, called for justice, demanding fair compensation for their lost land, an end to alleged harassment, and immediate action to halt the pipeline’s construction.
For these Project-Affected Persons (PAPs), it was not just a protest but a desperate plea to protect their homes, their livelihoods, and the fragile environment they depend on.
The EACOP project, a 1,443km pipeline, is designed to transport Uganda’s crude oil from Hoima District to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanga port in Tanzania.
Among the demonstrators was Barak Bakundane, a PAP, who accused project implementers of exploiting local communities and neglecting their rights.
“Today, with our peaceful protest, we are calling on the government and EACOP to listen to our voices. The destruction of nature and the lives of the people in the Albertine region is criminal,” he said.
Another PAP, Innocent Tumwebaze, lamented the inadequate compensation provided for the land acquired by the government. He pointed out that many families were left struggling to make ends meet.
“We were promised fair compensation, but the reality has been far from that. This project has disrupted our lives, and the implementer needs to prioritise resolving these issues before continuing,” Tumwebaze stated.
The protesters also alleged that grassroots environmental and human rights defenders advocating for the rights of affected communities have faced harassment and intimidation.
They demanded an end to the arrests and threats against these activists, who they say are only working to amplify their concerns.
PAPs like Sarah Natukunda highlighted the severe environmental toll the pipeline’s construction has had on local ecosystems.
“Wetlands, swamps, and water sources have been encroached upon, and indigenous trees cut down. This has led to noticeable climate changes in our area,” she noted.
Natukunda warned that the long-term ecological damage could outweigh the short-term economic benefits touted by the project proponents.
Another resident, Racheal Tugume from Kijumba village, expressed alarm over the destruction of swamps and water sources.
She described the changes in the climate since construction began as “disturbing” and criticised the lack of community engagement.
“Is it worth sacrificing our natural heritage and our livelihoods for this project? They need to talk with us, not impose decisions,” Tugume said.
The protesters also called for the protection of biodiversity, particularly in national parks and protected areas where oil extraction activities are ongoing.
They argued that preserving these ecosystems is crucial for the survival of both wildlife and future generations.
EACOP’s Response to Criticism
Responding to these allegations, EACOP officials have repeatedly emphasised their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Last month, Hadi Watfa, the Manager of Above Ground Installation for EACOP, said that the project is being executed with care to mitigate its impact on the ecosystem.
“As I can assure you, we are taking every measure to ensure that our operations are environmentally friendly,” Watfa said.
EACOP Corporate Affairs Manager Stella Amony claimed that 95% of the 3,660 PAPs affected by the project had been compensated.
According to her, the land acquisition process began in August 2018, and efforts to address community concerns are ongoing.
The project, estimated to cost $5 billion, is being constructed by a joint venture between China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. Ltd and Worley Limited.
The pipeline will feature a 24-inch diameter insulated pipe with six pump stations and a marine export terminal in Tanzania.
Mounting Opposition
Despite assurances from EACOP, opposition to the project remains strong both locally and internationally.
In August, a similar protest in Hoima was thwarted by police as residents sought to deliver a petition to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) and EACOP officials.
Protesters have consistently voiced concerns about inadequate compensation, forced evictions, and the pipeline’s environmental impact.
Internationally, the project has faced sharp criticism from environmental and human rights groups.
In 2022, the European Parliament passed a resolution calling for a one-year delay to EACOP, citing human rights violations and environmental damage.
The resolution pointed to alleged abuses, such as the wrongful imprisonment of human rights defenders, forced evictions, and the destruction of sensitive ecosystems.
The EU Parliament also raised alarms about the displacement of over 100,000 people and the impact of oil extraction on protected areas, including Lake Albert and Murchison Falls National Park, where 132 oil wells are planned.
The PAPs in Kikuube have demanded that their grievances be addressed comprehensively before any further activities on the project proceed.
Their demands include fair compensation, an end to harassment of activists, and stronger measures to protect biodiversity and the environment.
The protest serves as a stark reminder of the growing tensions between development projects and the rights of local communities.
As Uganda transitions into oil production, ensuring that the benefits are equitably shared and environmental impacts are minimised remains a contentious issue.
The government and EACOP must now navigate these challenges carefully to avoid further backlash and ensure that the voices of affected communities are not ignored.
Whether these demands will lead to meaningful action remains to be seen, but for now, the PAPs in Kikuube continue their fight for justice.
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