The controversial East African oil project spearheaded by TotalEnergies, in collaboration with Chinese oil company CNOOC, is already wreaking havoc on the environment, threatening to undo the efforts that have been employed to curb climate change, restore ecosystems, and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Despite production not yet beginning, the devastating effects are visible, particularly in Uganda's Murchison Falls Nature Park, the country's largest national park and a biodiversity reserve.
The $10-billion project includes the Tilenga drilling project and a 1,443-kilometer East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) that will transport oil from Uganda to the Tanzanian coast. This project involves the drilling of more than 400 oil wells, many situated within the boundaries of Murchison Falls Nature Park. The vibrations from the drilling rigs have already driven elephants out of the park and into nearby communities, leading to the destruction of croplands and fatal human-elephant encounters.
The environmental damage is extensive. Lights from the rigs, visible for nearly 14 kilometers, disrupt nocturnal wildlife like leopards and lions. Increased paved roads and motorized traffic have heightened the risks of poaching, accidents, and pollution, further endangering the park's fragile ecosystem. AFIEGO's report, supported by satellite image analysis and interviews, highlights significant biodiversity loss, contradicting TotalEnergies' claims of responsible operations.
TotalEnergies maintains that the project will bring economic opportunities to the local population, but the reality is far from this promise. Over 120,000 people have been displaced, with many unable to reclaim their land. This displacement, coupled with environmental degradation, indebts the Ugandan population, burdening them with the long-term consequences of biodiversity loss, human rights abuses, and environmental hazards.
The international community must recognize the stark contradiction between the promises of economic development and the dire environmental and social costs. Efforts to address climate change and restore ecosystems are being undermined by projects like these, which prioritize short-term gains over sustainable development. As Nabiruma from AFIEGO emphasizes, funding should be redirected towards renewable energy projects, leveraging Uganda's significant potential for solar power. This shift is crucial not only for preserving biodiversity and human rights but also for fostering a sustainable and resilient future for Uganda and beyond.
