Eleven Activists Charged in Uganda for Protesting Against EACOP Project

On February 26, 2025, eleven environmental activists protesting the East African Crude Oil Pipeline were charged with common nuisance and remanded to Luzira prison in Uganda. The group, mainly from Students Against EACOP Uganda, disrupted operations at the European Union Mission while seeking to deliver a petition against Total Energies’ involvement in the project, which they claim poses severe environmental and social risks.

A cohort of 11 environmental activists has been charged and remanded to Luzira prison following a protest at the European Union Mission in Kampala. The group, primarily consisting of members from Students Against EACOP Uganda, including prominent individuals such as Shaffic Kalyango, Joseph Ssengozi, and Namuddu Rahima, was arrested on February 26, 2025. Their actions were aimed at delivering a petition highlighting their opposition to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which they claim poses significant environmental and human rights risks.

The protest involved over 25 activists who sought to deliver their petition to Jean Sadek, the head of the EU Delegation. This petition urged the European Union to pressure France to withdraw support from Total Energies, the principal shareholder in the $5 billion pipeline project. The activists claim that EACOP will lead to severe consequences, including environmental degradation, mass displacement, and gender-based violence.

The activists were charged with common nuisance under Section 65(e) of the Road Acts Cap 346, as their demonstration disrupted operations at the EU offices. Additionally, Kaye Yudah of Students Against EACOP Uganda emphasized the human rights abuses associated with the project, stating that Total Energies is involved in the compulsory acquisition of land impacting over 86,000 individuals in both Uganda and Tanzania.

Despite the continuous protests and legal challenges to the EACOP project, the Ugandan government remains committed to its development, asserting its importance to the country’s oil sector. Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa confirmed that construction is progressing, with more than 1,100 kilometers of the pipeline already delivered to Tanzania. The EACOP project is slated to commence operations in 2027, but its social and environmental implications continue to provoke significant opposition.

In conclusion, the arrest and charging of environmental activists protesting the East African Crude Oil Pipeline highlight ongoing tensions between civil society and government interests in Uganda’s oil industry. The protests underscore widespread concerns regarding human rights and environmental impacts associated with the project. Despite facing legal and public challenges, the Ugandan government insists on the necessity of the EACOP project for the nation’s economic growth.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz