Bridging Energy Development and Environmental Concerns: Uganda’s Path with EACOP

Civil society actors in the energy sector have been invited to collaborate with the government in developing Uganda’s oil resources, including the East African crude oil Pipeline (EACOP).

Despite resistance from some NGOs in Uganda and abroad due to environmental and climate concerns, the government emphasizes the long-term benefits of supporting the development of oil infrastructure in the Albertine Graben, including the EACOP project.

The EACOP, a significant fossil fuel initiative currently under construction, has faced opposition from both Ugandan activists and international campaigners under initiatives like STOPEACOP.

In response, Engineer Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary of the Energy Ministry, advocates for Ugandans to back the project, highlighting its potential to enhance the country’s energy security. The 1,443km pipeline will link oil fields in Uganda’s Albertine region to Tanzania’s Tanga port.

Opponents argue that EACOP could escalate greenhouse gas emissions and adversely affect local communities, claims dismissed by the government and project developers amidst a global energy transition debate.

John Bosco Habumugisha, Deputy Managing Director of EACOP, asserts the project’s role in facilitating Uganda’s oil exports, emphasizing environmental safeguards. Plans include using hydroelectricity in Uganda and solar power in Tanzania to operate the pipeline.

Bateebe underscores Uganda’s commitment to energy transition goals, citing significant investments needed for renewable energy sources such as hydropower, wind, geothermal, solar, and nuclear power plants. She stresses the role of petroleum revenues in funding these initiatives and achieving broader energy access objectives.

The government aims to collaborate with civil society to ensure sustainable development of Uganda’s oil and gas sector, aligning with the objectives outlined in the 2008 Oil and Gas Policy. Bateebe urges a focus beyond opposition to EACOP, emphasizing the broader societal challenges like energy poverty and environmental degradation.

Efforts under Uganda’s Energy Transition Plan include achieving universal energy access, diversifying the energy mix, ensuring supply security, reducing emissions, and positioning Uganda as an energy hub for East Africa. This plan reflects Uganda’s ambitions to harness its oil and gas resources for economic growth while addressing environmental and social concerns.