The cost of EACOP

Development Must Not Come at

the Cost of People and Nature

By ATIM EDITH LABEJA (Environmental activist and human rights lawyer)

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is one of the largest energy infrastructure projects in Africa. Stretching from Uganda’s oil fields in the Albertine Graben to the Tanzanian port of Tanga, the pipeline has been presented as a symbol of economic job creation and regional cooperation. While these promises are attractive, it is important to ask a critical question. At what cost will this development come?

As a climate activist, environmentalist, and human rights advocate, I believe that development should improve people’s lives without destroying the environment on which those same lives depend. EACOP has sparked intense debate because it raises concerns that cannot be ignored.

The pipeline passes through environmentally sensitive areas, including ecosystems that support wildlife, forests, wetlands, and water resources. These natural systems are not only important for biodiversity but also for local communities that rely on them for farming, fishing, and daily survival. Any oil spill or environmental accident could have long-lasting consequences for both people and nature. History has shown us that oil infrastructure projects around the world often carry risks that turn into environmental harms, and East Africa should learn from these experiences rather than repeat them.

Climate change is another major concern. At a time when the world is facing rising temperatures, droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns, investing heavily in fossil fuel infrastructure moves us in the opposite direction of global climate goals. African countries are among the least responsible for global greenhouse gas emissions, yet they are among the most vulnerable to climate impacts. Communities across Uganda and Tanzania already experience the effects of changing weather patterns, affecting agriculture, food security, and livelihoods. Building long-term oil infrastructure may deepen dependence on fossil fuels when the world is increasingly transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.

Beyond environmental concerns, human rights issues have also emerged throughout discussions surrounding EACOP. Reports from civil society organizations have highlighted concerns related to land acquisition, compensation processes, and the livelihoods of affected communities. Many families have had to surrender land that has sustained them for generations. While compensation mechanisms exist, concerns remain about delays, adequacy, and the ability of affected households to rebuild their lives. Development projects should never leave communities poorer or more vulnerable than before.

However, opposing ventures that put the environment and human rights at risk does not mean opposing development itself. Uganda and Tanzania have every right to pursue economic growth and improve the welfare of their citizens. The challenge is ensuring that development is inclusive, sustainable, and accountable. Governments, investors, and project developers must prioritize transparency, environmental protection, and respect for community rights at every stage of implementation.

The debate around EACOP is ultimately about the future we want to build. Economic development and environmental protection are not opposing goals. True progress is achieved when projects generate prosperity while safeguarding ecosystems, respecting human dignity, and protecting future generations.

As citizens, activists, policy makers, and community leaders, we must continue asking difficult questions and demanding responsible solutions. The choices made today will shape not only the region’s economy but also its environment, its people, and its climate future. Development should be measured not only by profits and infrastructure but also by the well-being of communities and the health of the planet we all share.