Exploring social and environmental (in)justice along the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project

Addressing Social and Environmental (in)Justice along the EACOP Project

Kampala, Uganda – 1/04/2025 – Haki Defenders Foundation (HDF), led by Executive Director Leah Munokoh, in collaboration with the Urban Institute at the University of Sheffield, has released a critical new report on the thoughtful social and environmental impacts of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). This $5 billion project, which stretches from Uganda to Tanzania, has raised significant concerns due to community displacement, environmental damage, and human rights violations.

The report, based on interviews with 176 people, including Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) and key stakeholders, exposes the harsh realities faced by those living along the pipeline route in Uganda’s western regions. Despite claims that EACOP will boost the region’s economy, the report reveals the severe consequences it has had for local communities.

Key findings from the report include:

  1. Land Displacement and Resettlement: The pipeline’s construction has displaced over 3,600 households. Families have been moved to resettlement camps like Kyakaboga, where living conditions are poor. Many larger families face overcrowded housing, and essential services such as schools and healthcare are difficult to access. The compensation offered to these displaced families has proven inadequate, leaving them without the means to rebuild their lives.
  2. Environmental Impact: The report highlights significant environmental damage caused by the 1443km EACOP project. Key issues include water contamination, soil erosion, and biodiversity hot spots loss such as shores of Lake Victoria Africa’s largest fresh water lake. Farmers, particularly in Kikuube District, report crop failures and livestock deaths due to oil spills and chemical runoff. The disruption of local ecosystems and water sources has long-term negative effects on both the environment and the livelihoods of the affected communities.
  3. Violation of Democratic Rights: The report also exposes widespread violations of democratic rights, including restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Communities that have protested poor compensation and living conditions have faced heavy repression. Security forces have intervened in peaceful protests, arrested activists, and threatened violence. Civil society organizations advocating for the rights of PAPs have also experienced harassment and intimidation.

Recommendations for a just and sustainable future
The findings of this report highlight the urgent need for immediate action to address the injustices caused by the EACOP project. However, the lessons learned must also inform a long-term vision for development that prioritizes human rights, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. To address the current injustices faced by affected communities, the following steps must be taken:

For the state:
● Strengthen legal and institutional frameworks through revising and enforcing laws to ensure fair compensation, transparent land acquisition processes, and robust environmental protections. Aligning national laws with international standards, such as the Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards, is critical.
● Empower vulnerable groups like women, children, indigenous communities, and other marginalized groups. They must be included in decision-making processes. Legal aid programs and financial support should be provided to help these groups assert their rights.
● Enforcing environmental safeguards through regular environmental audits and independent monitoring should be mandated to mitigate risks such as oil spills, deforestation, and water contamination. A monitoring body that includes environmental NGOs and local communities should oversee the project’s environmental impact.

For the implementers:
● Project developers, including Total Energies and CNOOC, must adopt a more inclusive and participatory approach to enhance community engagement. This includes conducting thorough consultations, incorporating feedback from local populations, and collaborating with human rights defenders to ensure that the voices of affected communities are heard.
● Compensation for displaced communities must be fair, timely, and sufficient to cover not only the loss of land but also the long-term impacts on livelihoods. Livelihood-restoration programs should be established to support affected individuals in rebuilding their economic lives.
● Strengthen environmental management by conducting comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and implementing robust spill prevention and response plans. Regular monitoring and transparent reporting of environmental impacts should be standard practice.

For the oil companies:
● Adopt Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs that prioritize the welfare of affected communities by investing in local infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Community funds could be established to support the construction of schools, clinics, and clean water systems.
● Promote transparency and accountability by publishing detailed reports on their activities, including environmental assessments, community consultations, and compensation processes. These reports should be accessible to the public and subject to independent audits.
● Collaborate with human rights defenders and civil society organizations to ensure that human rights are respected throughout the project. Safe channels for reporting violations and addressing grievances must be established.

In light of these troubling findings, Haki Defenders Foundation, calls for immediate action. The report urges the governments of Uganda and Tanzania, along with project developers Total Energies and CNOOC, to address the injustices faced by the affected communities. HDF demands better compensation practices, more transparency, and stronger environmental protections.

“This report emphasizes the urgent need for a human-cantered approach to large-scale infrastructure projects,” said Leah Munokoh. “We must prioritize the rights and well-being of local communities. The EACOP project must not leave these people behind. We call on all relevant parties to take responsibility and honor the commitments made to these communities.”

Haki Defenders Foundation remains committed to advocating for justice, accountability, and human rights in Uganda and the Great Lakes region. This report serves to raise awareness and drive change, ensuring that future projects respect human rights, promote environmental sustainability, and foster social justice.

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CONTINUE BEING YOU

Women, you are architects of change, therefore continue being you because your strength and courage inspire generations. Your intelligence and hard work bring more warmth to our world.

A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”- Eleanor Roosevelt.

As Haki Defenders Foundation, we pledge to continue standing with women all over the world because we understand vividly that it takes Empowered women to Empower the world.

The best protection any woman can have is courage.”- Elizabeth Cady Stanton

We encourage all women to continue being courageous in different sectors all over the world.

Happy women’s day!!!!

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CIPESA Engages HDF on Digital Security for NGOs

Haki Defenders Foundation (HDF) hosted a team from the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), led by Mr. Brian Byaruhanga. The visit focused on strengthening digital security measures for NGOs, equipping HDF staff with essential skills to safeguard sensitive information and enhance secure communication.

During the session, the CIPESA team provided in-depth training on:

Secure Communication Systems: Best practices for encrypting communications and protecting organizational data.

Firewalls and Cyber Threat Mitigation: Understanding and implementing firewalls to block unauthorized access.

Data Protection Strategies: How to securely store and manage sensitive information to prevent breaches.

The training was interactive, allowing HDF staff to engage in discussions and hands-on demonstrations on digital safety. Given the nature of HDF’s work in human rights advocacy, implementing robust cybersecurity measures is crucial in ensuring HDF’s security and beneficiary data.

CIPESA’s visit reinforced HDF’s commitment to digital resilience, aligning with broader efforts to create a safer digital space for civil society organizations. HDF appreciates CIPESA’s continued support in strengthening digital rights and security across the region.

For more updates on HDF’s initiatives, follow us on our social media platforms.

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Strengthening Digital Advocacy: HDF’s Engagement with Mentor Evelyn Masaba

Haki Defenders Foundation (HDF) recently had the privilege of engaging with Ms Evelyn Masaba, a mentor assigned by CIPESA and the USAID program, to train our team on developing an effective Digital Advocacy Strategy and Communication Strategy.

During the session, Ms Masaba shared valuable insights on strategic digital engagement, impactful messaging, and leveraging online platforms for advocacy. The training covered key aspects of digital advocacy, including campaign design, audience targeting, crisis communication management, and sustaining an influential online presence.

This mentorship aligns with HDF’s broader commitment to enhancing digital advocacy and strengthening our communication efforts to protect and promote human rights. We appreciate Ms Masaba’s guidance and look forward to implementing these strategies.

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Protection of Human rights defenders: Fighting against trials of civilians in Military Courts

Human rights defenders from the Haki Defenders Foundation (HDF) paid a courtesy visit to counsel Kiiza Eron a human rights advocate in Kitalya prison on 20th January 2025. Kiiza Eron who was representing Dr. Kizza Besigye a political opponent of President Yoweri Museveni, was arrested by soldiers on the 07th day of January 2025 while entering the military courtroom. He was convicted and sentenced on the same day to nine months imprisonment for contempt of court without trial by the General Court Martial of Uganda. The action by the said court was illegal and unconstitutional as it violated both national laws and international laws that the Ugandan Government assented to and ratified.