Uganda’s top businessmen back oil pipeline project

Uganda’s top businessmen have thrown their weight behind the East African Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, arguing that it is intended to transform the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 22 November 2022, the businessmen who include Charles Mbire, Elly Karuhanga, Aga Ssekalala, Bob Kabonero and Badru Muwanga, said the project will improving the livelihoods of its citizens.

“We give our unreserved and wholehearted, support for the responsible development of the natural resources Uganda is endowed with, including the associated construction of EACOP pipeline and the Refinery. It is only through sustained economic development that Uganda will continue improving the livelihoods of its citizens,” the business leaders said in the joint statement.

The other businessmen who supported the project are Patrick Mweheire, Fabian Kasi, Japeth Katto, Jeff Baitwa, Geoffrey Rugazora, Kin Kariisa, Amos Nzeyi and Charles Hamya. Others are Jimmy Mugerwa, Joseph Matsiko, Joseline Kateeba, Catherine Wabomba, Abdul M Kibuuka, Stephen Assimwe, David Otti and Jonan Kisakye.

“We give our unreserved and wholehearted, support for the responsible development of the natural resources Uganda is endowed with, including the associated construction of EACOP pipeline and the Refinery. It is only through sustained economic development that Uganda will continue improving the livelihoods of its citizens,”

joint statement

Uganda has in the past two months been under pressure on the international scene after an EU Parliament resolution that said the country and Tanzania should stop oil and gas development projects in the East African region.

EU lawmakers cited major environmental and climate risks posed by Uganda, Tanzania and French oil company, Total, in developing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). They said there should be an “end to the extractive activities in protected and sensitive ecosystems.”

Once completed, the Ugandan-Tanzania pipeline will be the world’s longest heated oil pipeline, stretching 1,443 kilometers (896 miles).

But Uganda’s business leaders in their statement insist that, “We have confidence and trust that these projects, will be executed in compliance with both the stringent regulatory and legal framework put in place and the highest international standards (IFC Performance Standards and UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights) as already committed by the Operators. It is our view that this will ensure the projects are carried out with proper respect for Human Rights, minimum environmental footprint, conservation of our biodiversity, and full and fair compensation for land.”