THERE IS LOOMIMG DANGER ON CLIMATE DUE TO THE EACOP

Friday, December 12th, 2025 | By

The East Africa crude oil pipeline, EACOP has had a significant impact on climate change, particularly in the affected districts where the construction of the pipeline is said to have led to the destruction of numerous forests and wetlands, exacerbating environmental vulnerabilities.

The residents of Kikuube,Kyankwanzi  and Hoima districts attributed the change in climate to the EACOP.

It should be noted that the during the construction of the pipeline, several forests and wetlands were affected and this might be one of the reason of change of certain climatic aspects in these areas. Forests affected include Taala forest reserve in Kyankwanzi district, Wambabya forest reserve that connects Bugoma and Budongo in Kikuube and Hoima (western Uganda) Bugoma central forest reserve in Kikuube and Hoima districts.

The residents of Hoima, particularly farmers, are grappling with hardships as the scorching sun has withered their crops.

 Matovu Peter, a prominent banana farmer in Hoima district, expressed his deep sorrow as his plantation withers under the relentless sun and put the blame on the project.

“I have lost my entire banana plantation to the relentless heat, a harsh shift from the more balanced climate we had before the project”, Matovu explained.

The same hardship is also hitting Kyankwanzi as residents are struggling with water shortage due to the prolonged heat that has drained most of the water sources in the area.

Birungi Margret, a resident of Nabulembeko village, Nabulembeko Parish Wattuba Sub County, says the water crisis gripping their area.

“We are struggling to access water since most of the wells have dried up, and the EACOP officials have deployed machines that block rain water, making it tougher”, Birungi explained, seemingly worried.

The East African Crude oil Pipeline (EACOP) is a mega project intended to transport crude oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert oil fields to the ports of Tanga in Tanzania for export.

The project is a joint venture between total energies, the Uganda national oil company (UNOC), the Tanzania petroleum development corporation (TPDC) and the china national offshore oil company (CNOOC).

Over ten districts are being affected in Uganda and they include Hoima, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Kyankwanzi, Gomba, Mubende Llwengo, Ssembabule, Kyotera and Rakai.

STORY COMPILED BY JOANNE NTEZA