Ugandan Farmers Take EACOP Pipeline Dispute to the UK Supreme Court
A coalition of Ugandan farmers has filed a lawsuit in the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court against the developer of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), seeking to halt the nearly finished $5 billion project on environmental grounds. The case, reported by Oilprice.com citing Bloomberg, marks a significant legal test for one of Africa’s most ambitious energy infrastructures.
What is EACOP?
EACOP is a 1,443‑kilometre (≈ 896‑mile) pipeline designed to transport crude oil from Uganda’s Albertine Rift Basin to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. The project is led by French energy giant TotalEnergies, with participation from China’s CNOOC in the upstream Tilenga and Kingfisher oil fields.
According to the Ugandan government, the pipeline is built to move up to 216,000 barrels of crude oil per day, with capacity expected to rise to 246,000 barrels per day during the ramp‑up phase. Production from the Albertine Rift is projected to peak at around 200,000 barrels per day, potentially delivering Uganda’s first ever crude‑oil exports later this year or in early 2027.
Why the Farmers Are Suing
The plaintiffs, represented by the UK‑based law firm Leigh Day, argue that the pipeline’s construction and associated oil production threaten vital water resources, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity along its route. Their statement to Bloomberg highlighted that the lawsuit seeks remedies that could “go to the core of the economic viability of the project,” including:
- An injunction to prevent oil from flowing through the pipeline;
- Compensation for alleged environmental damage;
- Other legal relief under Ugandan law.
Leigh Day contends that the project’s approval process insufficiently accounted for the cumulative impacts on local ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities dependent on agriculture and fishing.
Environmental Review and Controversy
EACOP has undergone years of environmental and social impact assessments. Proponents maintain that the pipeline will:
- Create thousands of direct and indirect jobs;
- Attract broader infrastructure investment across East Africa;
- Enhance regional energy security by providing a reliable export route for Ugandan oil.
Critics, however, point to risks such as oil spills, contamination of Lake Victoria’s watershed, disruption of migratory corridors for species like the African elephant, and greenhouse‑gas emissions linked to increased fossil‑fuel extraction.
Current Status of Construction
Construction of EACOP is reported to be nearing completion, with the possibility of finishing as early as this month. If the pipeline becomes operational, the first oil exports could commence later in 2024 or early 2027, depending on the outcome of ongoing legal challenges and any required regulatory approvals.
Potential Implications of the UK Court Case
Because EACOP Ltd is registered in the United Kingdom, the UK Supreme Court has jurisdiction to hear the case. A ruling in favor of the farmers could:
- Force a temporary halt to oil transport pending further environmental review;
- Trigger financial penalties or require redesign of certain pipeline segments;
- Set a precedent for how multinational energy projects are held accountable in foreign jurisdictions for impacts occurring in host countries.
Conversely, a decision upholding the project’s legality would likely allow the pipeline to proceed, reinforcing the stance of governments and investors that EACOP meets existing regulatory standards.
Looking Ahead
The lawsuit underscores the growing tension between large‑scale energy development and environmental stewardship in East Africa. As the world watches the UK Supreme Court’s deliberations, the outcome will not only affect the fortunes of TotalEnergies and its partners but also shape future approaches to balancing economic growth with ecological protection in the region.
For readers interested in following the case, key sources include the original Oilprice.com report, the Bloomberg article cited therein, and public statements from the Ugandan Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
