Progress made in the construction of East African Crude Oil Pipeline in Tanzania
Construction is currently underway for the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the Tilenga well drilling project, marking Uganda’s aspirations to commence its oil extraction by 2025.
A 1,443-kilometer heated pipeline, stretching from the shores of Lake Albert in Uganda to the port of Tanga in Tanzania, has been collaboratively developed by French TotalEnergies, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), alongside Ugandan and Tanzanian state oil entities.
While TotalEnergies and Ugandan authorities assert that the majority of project-affected persons (PAPs) have received adequate compensation for the loss of their land, homes, fields, and crops, along with improvements in their livelihoods, certain NGOs claim that some PAPs consented to proposed compensations out of coercion. Those who refused to sign have reportedly faced legal action from the Ugandan government.
Stella Afoyocan, a farmer affected by the Tilenga project, views it positively, stating, “For me, it’s not a bad project because it’s changing people’s lives.” She highlights the positive impact on local youths, who have gained employment opportunities due to the project.
However, experiences with the arrival of oil companies have been mixed among local residents. TotalEnergies has projected that Tilenga will generate 7,000 jobs in the Lake Albert region, with some residents benefiting from land buyouts and scholarships, while others have faced legal challenges for opposing the project.
Emily Fwachan, a resident of Buliisa district, sold five acres of land to TotalEnergies for 25 million Ugandan shillings, which enabled her to purchase property, a motorcycle for her son, and establish a beekeeping farm. She expressed satisfaction with the benefits received.
In contrast, Joselyn Katusabe, a single mother of six, received about $1,000 for selling a small plot of land where she grew cassava. Despite opening a small salon and paying school fees with the money, she found the income insufficient compared to her previous livelihood.
