Ugandan Farmers Sue TotalEnergies Over Oil Pipeline
Four Ugandan farmers have taken French energy company TotalEnergies to court in Britain over the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). Campaigners say this is a landmark case that could shape the future of climate and energy policy in Africa and beyond.
The $5.6 billion pipeline, which is planned to start operations in 2027, will stretch 1,400 kilometres from Uganda to Tanzania. Once completed, it will be the world’s longest heated crude oil pipeline. Supporters argue it will boost regional economies, but critics warn it will cause serious environmental damage.
The farmers, backed by campaign group Avaaz, say the project breaks Uganda’s environmental, climate, and constitutional laws. They are asking the British court to issue an injunction that could stop oil from flowing through the pipeline. This is the first time Ugandan environmental laws are being tested in a British court, making the case closely watched by activists, governments, and investors worldwide.
Environmental organisations have strongly opposed the project, calling it a “carbon bomb.” They warn that EACOP could release hundreds of millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions during its lifetime. Campaigners also highlight the risks of drilling near Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park, a protected area known for its rich biodiversity. They fear the pipeline could damage sensitive ecosystems and threaten wildlife.
TotalEnergies has defended the project, saying it has adopted strict environmental safeguards. The company insists it is working to reduce the impact of the pipeline and has promised to follow international standards. Officials argue that the project will bring jobs, infrastructure, and economic growth to Uganda and Tanzania.
But critics say the costs outweigh the benefits. They argue that the pipeline will lock Uganda into fossil fuel dependence at a time when the world is moving towards renewable energy. They also warn that communities along the pipeline route could face displacement, pollution, and loss of livelihoods.
The farmers’ case reflects growing frustration among local communities who feel excluded from decision making. They argue that their rights to a clean environment and sustainable development are being ignored. By taking the case to Britain, they hope to hold TotalEnergies accountable in a country where the company has strong legal ties.
The case comes at a time when global debates over climate change and energy transition are intensifying. African countries are under pressure to balance economic growth with environmental protection. For Uganda, the pipeline represents both an opportunity and a risk: a chance to earn revenue from oil exports, but also a potential source of long term environmental harm.
