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On August 26, 2024, under the vibrant African sun, the Albertine region’s resilient communities took to the streets of Hoima in a powerful demonstration echoing the spirit of resistance against unfair treatment by the EACOP and CNOOC oil companies. Their collective stride was a testament to both remembrance and revolution, a peaceful yet impassioned call to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) offices, where they presented a heartfelt petition demanding justice and redress to their demands as project affected persons

The Albertine region, a jewel in the crown of Africa’s rich natural resources, has been deeply impacted by the oil and gas industry. Despite promises of economic development and improved livelihoods, many local communities have faced adverse consequences, including displacement, environmental degradation, human-wildlife conflicts and insufficient compensation. The oil and gas activities have disrupted their traditional ways of life, distorted their heritage, leading to a growing sense of frustration and disenfranchisement among the affected residents of Kijumba, Nyakasenene, Kisambo, Kasinyi and Kyakabooga resettlement camp. The oil and gas activities, while promising economic upliftment, have instead cast a long shadow of displacement and social havoc in the hearts of the communities. The land that once thrived with life and tradition now bears the scars of industrial encroachment, leaving its people grappling with loss and uncertainty.

In a show of unity and peaceful resistance, a symphony of peaceful defiance from the affected community members arose to voice their concerns. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said “The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.” a powerful statement of the ongoing struggle for equity and justice that the project affected persons understood and appreciated at heart. The event was marked by speeches, peaceful chants, and a sense of solidarity that resonated through the crowd. The demonstration transformed the streets of Hoima into a stage for justice. With resolute chants and poignant speeches on delivery of their petition, the crowd marched with purpose, their presence a visual and emotional testament to their struggles and solidarity.

The petition delivered to the EACOP offices outlined several critical demands from the Albertine region communities:

1. Fair Compensation: Residents are calling for adequate compensation for land and property lost due to oil and gas activities. Many claim that the compensation provided has been insufficient and does not reflect the true value of their assets or the impact on their livelihoods.
2. Environmental Protection: The petition emphasizes the need for rigorous environmental safeguards to prevent pollution and degradation of natural resources. The communities are concerned about the long-term health implications of environmental damage caused by oil and gas operations.
3. Restoration of Livelihoods: There is a strong demand for the restoration of livelihoods that have been disrupted by the industrial activities. This includes support for alternative income-generating activities and promotion of green sustainable energy
4. Transparent Communication: The petition calls for greater transparency and engagement from both the government and oil companies regarding project impacts and future developments to the host communities
5. Addressing Human Rights Violations: The affected communities seek accountability for any human rights violations that have occurred as a result of the oil and gas projects. This includes ensuring that their rights are respected and that any grievances are properly addressed.

The response from government officials has left many feeling disillusioned and unheard. The communities allege a pattern of neglect and superficial engagement, perceiving a systemic disregard for their plight. This sentiment of betrayal has fueled their resolve, as they feel their voices and suffering have been relegated to the margins of the economic narrative. They believe in a change of narrative from fossil fuel production to green sustainable energy, if the oil is meant to destroy their lives then why the bother!! An elderly project affected person quotes,” Ever since this oil was found, our lives have never been the same, we have been displaced for oil and no longer have daily bread to put on the table”

The August 26th march was not merely a protest but a resounding call to action—a summons for national and global awareness. The Albertine region’s communities imploregenuineengagement, they seek meaningful conversations with authorities and oil companies to address their concerns and foster real solutions. They appeal for fair and effective compensation, the urgent need for fair compensation and rigorous environmental protections to mitigate the adverse impacts of oil and gas exploitation. Their plight for accountability and support is one that shouldbeheard, an unequivocal demand for accountability for rights violations and comprehensive support for affected families and communities shouldn’t be ignored.

The Albertine region communities’ march to the EACOP offices represents a crucial moment in their ongoing struggle for justice. It was more than a march, it was a declaration of resilience and hope, they have amplified their call for fair treatment and respect. It is now imperative for all stakeholders—government officials, oil companies, and international bodies—to respond to these demands with the urgency and sincerity that the situation warrants. Only through genuine engagement and commitment can the project affected communities hope to achieve the justice and support they so desperately need as well as the future they deserve.

In the heart of Uganda’s lush landscapes, where the sweeping plains of Murchison Falls National Park meet the serene shores of Lake Albert amidst the reigning steep rift valley, lies the poignant tale of Jonan Kiiza,born to a family of eight and raised by the Tilenga oil project affected single mother—a young man caught in the turbulence of the oil progress and its profound consequences.

 Jonan’s village,Buliisa, nestled at the edge of the oil drilling plant, had always thrived in harmony with its natural surroundings. He grew up amid the calls of African fish eagles and the rustling of acacia trees, dreaming of a future where he could safeguard these wonders for generations to come. But in 2017, whispers of change began to echo through the community.

Tilenga, the ambitious oil project spearheaded by TotalEnergies, promised economic prosperity but at a cost Jonan and his people couldn’t foresee. Land that had sustained families through subsistence farming for generations was earmarked for drilling oil rigs and pipelines. As construction encroached upon their ancestral lands, Jonan witnessed the gradual erosion of their way of life.

“We were displaced unjustly off our own land,evicted with no mercy,” Jonan recalls, his voice tinged with frustration. “They came with promises of development and fair compensation, but they never asked how it would affect us, our livelihood as a family ,my education as a young youth.I lost 3 years of school and my mother was given 3 million for our 16 acres of land after the survey and division. They took without giving us a choice.”

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), a joint venture between Uganda and Tanzania, loomed large in the horizon—a mammoth conduit slated to transport crude oil from Hoima to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. Environmentalists warned of its potential impact on climate change, citing the extraction and burning of fossil fuels as a significant contributor to global warming.

Jonan’s concerns extended beyond his village. The Albertine is yet to learn of similar struggles in Nigeria, where decades of oil extraction had left communities impoverished and landscapes scarred. “Total energies have to come back and address their mistakes,” he remarked, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the setting sun painted the sky in hues of the Central Processing Facility that replaced precious vegetation ,peoples farms and animal habitats.

As the project unfolded, Jonan and his peers mobilized, advocating for their rights and the preservation of their environment. They joined hands with conservation groups, leveraging social media to amplify their voices globally. Their efforts garnered attention where indigenous communities fought against oil giants for the right to their lands and livelihoods,saying no to the noise pollution and high vibrations from the constructions,disturbances from monitoring drone cameras,mistreatment of the youth as casual workers for these oil companies,poor compensation of displaced families and breach of the agreement by oil companies.

Yet, amidst the turmoil, there were glimmers of hope. Jonan witnessed the resilience of his people, their unwavering commitment to safeguarding their home. They planted trees, organized clean-up drives along Lake Albert’s shores, and educated the youth about sustainable practices.

“We may not have the wealth or power as these oil companies,” Jonan mused, “but we have something they don’t—our connection to this land and our determination to protect it as our heritage.”

Years will pass, and the oil wells  will begin to pump, feeding a voracious global demand for energy. Jonan’s village will see some economic benefits, but scars will remain open and wounded—polluted waterways, displaced wildlife, disrupted families,oil spills, high temperatures as already seen and a sense of loss that could not be quantified.

In quiet moments, Jonan would return to the edge of the national park, where the roar of Murchison Falls once echoed unimpeded. He would close his eyes and listen, the silence in the park was deafening with no joyous sounds of nature and the wildlife slowly fading away.He reckoned, “What will be left of the Albertine when the actual oil production begins?”I was left dumbfounded, speechless and lost in thought.

As the world grappled with the consequences of fossil fuel dependency, Jonan Kiiza stood as a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of those who dare to challenge the status quo. His story, being engraved in the annals of Uganda’s environmental history, serves as a reminder that progress must not come at the expense of our planet—or the people who call it home.

Written and published by : Ashley Katumwesigye.

What you need to know:

• Women, especially in developing countries, are more likely to live in close proximity to oil fields and refineries. This proximity exposes them to higher levels of pollution, leading to increased health risks, including respiratory problems, cancer, and reproductive issues.

In the realm of environmental and economic discourse, the negative impacts of oil activities are well-documented. From pollution and climate change to political conflicts and corporate power, the consequences of our global thirst for oil are far-reaching and significant.

However, one aspect often overlooked in this dialogue is the gendered impact of oil extraction, production, and consumption. The truth is, women bear a disproportionate burden from the negative consequences of the oil industry, and it’s time we shed light on this issue.

Health and environmental consequences: Oil activities are notorious for their adverse effects on the environment, including air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions. Some affected area in our communities have already experienced this problem.

Women, especially in developing countries, are more likely to live in close proximity to oil fields and refineries. This proximity exposes them to higher levels of pollution, leading to increased health risks, including respiratory problems, cancer, and reproductive issues.

Economic disparities: Oil-rich regions often witness economic disparities, with wealth concentrated in the hands of a few. This inequality affects women significantly.

The influx of male labour into the industry creates a gender gap in employment opportunities and exacerbates income disparities. Women are often left with fewer job opportunities and lower wages, pushing them into vulnerable economic positions.

Land rights and displacement: Land is a valuable resource, and oil exploration frequently involves land acquisition and displacement of communities. Women, who often rely on land for subsistence farming and housing, bear the brunt of these forced relocations. They not only lose their homes and livelihoods but also face increased vulnerability to violence and exploitation during such upheavals. In my region, some land and property have already been taken way under devaluation and displace before clearing the compensation. 

Cultural and social disruption: The social fabric of communities can unravel in the wake of oil activities. Traditional gender roles may be disrupted in the process of cash compensation.

Money has blinded most men to the extent of not considering women in planning for the received cash, leading to increased domestic violence and the marginalisation of women’s voices in decision-making processes.

Moreover, the influx of transient labour forces can bring an upsurge in social problems, further affecting women and children.

Limited access to resources: As oil exploration depletes natural resources and diverts government attention and resources, all the efforts are inserted on exploiting the oil for special benefit.

Women, therefore, often face difficulties accessing clean water, education, and healthcare. These challenges compound existing gender inequalities and hinder the development of women and their communities.

Climate change impact: Oil activities contribute significantly to climate change, which disproportionately affects women in various ways. Women are more likely to be responsible for household tasks like collecting water and firewood, which become more challenging due to climate-related changes.

Moreover, as climate-induced disasters increase, women often find themselves in vulnerable positions, facing higher mortality rates during such events.

In conclusion, the negative impacts of oil activities on women are undeniable and significant. It’s essential for policy makers, environmental activists, and the industry itself to recognise these disparities and work towards gender-inclusive solutions. 

Women should have a seat at the table in decision-making processes regarding oil activities, and their unique challenges should be considered in crafting environmental and social policies. 

Only through these measures can we begin to rectify the gender inequalities exacerbated by the oil industry and pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Clinton Bikorwa, Youth Coordinator EACOP Affected Communities.

bikorwaclinton@gmail.com

source : https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/letters/how-oil-activities-harm-women-4401664

What you need to know:

• Indigenous Wisdom and Environmental Stewardship. Indigenous peoples have long been the custodians of their lands, possessing a wealth of traditional knowledge about sustainable living

In an era marked by rapid urbanization and technological advancement, the world often finds itself at odds with the environment. Climate change, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity are pressing issues that require immediate attention. Simultaneously, hunger and malnutrition persist, highlighting the urgency for sustainable solutions. In this context, indigenous communities offer a unique perspective, one deeply rooted in harmony with nature and sustainable practices.

In an era marked by rapid urbanization and technological advancement, the world often finds itself at odds with the environment. Climate change, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity are pressing issues that require immediate attention. Simultaneously, hunger and malnutrition persist, highlighting the urgency for sustainable solutions. In this context, indigenous communities offer a unique perspective, one deeply rooted in harmony with nature and sustainable practices.

In an era marked by rapid urbanization and technological advancement, the world often finds itself at odds with the environment. Climate change, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity are pressing issues that require immediate attention. Simultaneously, hunger and malnutrition persist, highlighting the urgency for sustainable solutions. In this context, indigenous communities offer a unique perspective, one deeply rooted in harmony with nature and sustainable practices.

In an era marked by rapid urbanization and technological advancement, the world often finds itself at odds with the environment. Climate change, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity are pressing issues that require immediate attention. Simultaneously, hunger and malnutrition persist, highlighting the urgency for sustainable solutions. In this context, indigenous communities offer a unique perspective, one deeply rooted in harmony with nature and sustainable practices.

In an era marked by rapid urbanization and technological advancement, the world often finds itself at odds with the environment. Climate change, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity are pressing issues that require immediate attention. Simultaneously, hunger and malnutrition persist, highlighting the urgency for sustainable solutions. In this context, indigenous communities offer a unique perspective, one deeply rooted in harmony with nature and sustainable practices.

In an era marked by rapid urbanization and technological advancement, the world often finds itself at odds with the environment. Climate change, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity are pressing issues that require immediate attention. Simultaneously, hunger and malnutrition persist, highlighting the urgency for sustainable solutions. In this context, indigenous communities offer a unique perspective, one deeply rooted in harmony with nature and sustainable practices.

In an era marked by rapid urbanization and technological advancement, the world often finds itself at odds with the environment. Climate change, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity are pressing issues that require immediate attention. Simultaneously, hunger and malnutrition persist, highlighting the urgency for sustainable solutions. In this context, indigenous communities offer a unique perspective, one deeply rooted in harmony with nature and sustainable practices.

Youth Coordinator EACOP Affected CommunitiesAuthored by Clinton Bikorwa, bikorwaclinton@gmail.com

source : https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/letters/redeeming-indigenous-ways-of-preserving-the-environment-4407210