A group of eleven environmental activists in Uganda were charged following a protest at the EU Mission, where they opposed the EACOP project. The protest aimed to request that the EU influence France to withdraw support from Total Energies. Concerns over environmental and human rights impacts, including mass displacement, have fueled ongoing protests as the project progresses despite opposition.
On February 26, 2025, eleven environmental activists associated with the Students Against EACOP Uganda were arrested during a protest at the European Union (EU) Mission in Kampala. The protesters sought to deliver a petition urging the EU to pressure France to withdraw support for Total Energies, a key investor in the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, valued at $5 billion, which they believe poses grave environmental and human rights risks.
Among those arrested were Shaffic Kalyango, Joseph Ssengozi, Namuddu Rahima, Gilbert Nayebare, Arafat Mawanda, Hillary Mangeni, Brilliant James Mufere, Desire Ndyamwesiga, and Keisha Ali. They were charged with common nuisance under Section 65(e) of the Road Acts Cap 346 for disrupting the operations of the EU office.
Activists argue that the EACOP construction will result in extensive land acquisition, displacing over 86,000 individuals from 13,292 project-affected households across Uganda and Tanzania. Kaye Yudah, a representative from the Students Against EACOP group, emphasized that the project developers, primarily Total Energies, are involved in serious human rights abuses amid compulsory land acquisitions.
The 1443-kilometer pipeline aims to transport crude oil from Uganda to Tanzania and is expected to start operations in 2027. Nevertheless, ongoing protests reflect growing concerns among local communities regarding its environmental and social implications. Despite this, the Ugandan government maintains that the EACOP project is crucial for national economic growth and continues its construction activities, with one-third of the pipeline’s length already delivered to Tanzania.
The protests align with a broader context of legal challenges, as the East African Court of Justice is currently reviewing an appeal from several civil society organizations questioning the legality of the EACOP project, intensifying scrutiny amidst widespread opposition.
In summary, the Ugandan protests against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline have highlighted significant environmental and human rights concerns. The arrested activists face charges related to their peaceful demonstrations, which aimed to prompt international action on the project’s implications. The Ugandan government’s commitment to advancing the project remains firm, notwithstanding the resistance and legal challenges from civil society.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
