The Laudato Si’ Movement official further lamented, “Many individuals, including environmental activists, have been imprisoned or abducted because of this project. There is widespread physical violence and numerous human rights violations occurring.”
People around Lake Albert in Uganda, where the oil is being extracted have reportedly been forcefully evicted, their fishing equipment being confiscated, and some stranded on where to go.
“The EACOP project is not therefore only affecting the land it is passing through, but also the livelihoods of the people along the line will also be affected,” the Nairobi-based Burundian national told ACI Africa during the July 26 interview.
Mr. Kezamutima went on to express fears about possible oil spills, which he said could contaminate marine environments, harming aquatic life, and seeping into people’s farms, damage the soil and negatively affect the agricultural sector.
“The future looks bleak, as climate change results from prolonged human activities,” he said, adding in reference to EACOP, “If this project proceeds, the resulting environmental degradation will exacerbate global warming, leading to persistent climate change.”
Also speaking to ACI Africa, the Programs manager at Laudato Si’ Movement in Africa, Ashley Kitisya, said, “We want to show solidarity with our colleagues in Uganda and Tanzania who are fighting against this pipeline project and fossil fuel developments.”
“People worldwide are unaware of the injustices occurring in Uganda, including the displacement of residents, unfair compensation, human rights violations, and the militarization of areas where oil extraction is taking place,” Ms. Kitisya said.
The Kenyan Laudato Si’ Movement official said he finds it regrettable that oil extracted in Uganda, transported through Tanzania to Europe, will eventually be shipped back to Africa at higher prices.
Ms. Kitisya stated that their #The StopEACOP campaign, which began in 2022, has been effective, leading some insurance companies, including Britam, to withdraw their backing.
“We share the impact of the project such as the cultural effects caused by displacement with any company that tries to fund the project telling them to reconsider their decision,” she said.
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