KAMPALA, Uganda, Nov. 11 — Ugandan police arrested 15 student activists on Saturday as they marched to Parliament in protest of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). Led by Against EACOP Uganda, a student-led group advocating for environmental justice, the activists demanded a halt to the 1,143-kilometer pipeline project, citing potential ecological harm and questioning Uganda’s alignment with climate commitments.
The students argued that EACOP, a joint venture that will transport oil from Uganda to Tanzania, risks contaminating water sources, displacing communities, and disrupting wildlife habitats across its extensive route. Local activists warn that the pipeline’s environmental and social costs outweigh the projected economic benefits, particularly in light of Uganda’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and regional climate action goals.
The arrests in Kampala come just as COP29 opens in Baku, Azerbaijan, where world leaders are meeting to negotiate global climate policies. The Ugandan activists emphasize that the EACOP project runs counter to the objectives of COP29, which aims to address global environmental challenges and transition toward cleaner energy.
Background: EACOP and Rising Activism
The EACOP project, spearheaded by TotalEnergies and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), has faced mounting opposition from environmental groups, local communities, and international stakeholders since its inception. While the pipeline is projected to generate substantial revenue for Uganda and Tanzania, opponents argue it will have devastating environmental consequences. Advocacy groups such as Against EACOP Uganda, Fridays for Future, and international NGOs have mobilized to raise awareness of the project’s potential impact on local ecosystems and climate change.
Broader Context: COP29 and Uganda’s Environmental Commitments
The controversy over EACOP highlights Uganda’s challenging position at COP29, where global leaders are expected to address the urgency of climate action. Uganda has made commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity but faces pressure to balance economic development with environmental preservation. With the spotlight on climate justice at COP29, anti-EACOP activists hope to amplify their message, urging Uganda to prioritize sustainable development.
As COP29 continues, the arrests of the students underscore the heightened tensions surrounding EACOP and the challenges faced by activists advocating for Uganda’s environmental future.