What began as a peaceful demonstration against the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) took a dramatic turn this morning when police with the backing of the Special Forces Command (SFC), jumped in to arrest a group of student activists.
The protestors marching under the banner of Students Against EACOP Uganda were headed to the Stanbic Bank head offices at Crested Towers in Kampala to express their outrage over the bank’s role in financing the project.
The demonstration organized by young environmentalists and university students was a direct response to the recent announcement that several financial institutions including Stanbic Bank, KCB Bank, and an Egyptian bank had agreed to provide funding for EACOP.
Critics argue that the project is an environmental disaster waiting to happen threatening delicate ecosystems, displacing thousands and worsening the climate crisis.
Armed with banners reading “Stop EACOP! No Oil on Our Land!” and “Stanbic Bank, Blood Money is Not Development”, the activists began their march early in the morning.
Their goal was to deliver a formal petition demanding that Stanbic Bank withdraw its financial support for the pipeline.
However, a swift and forceful crackdown by police officers and elite SFC an army unit primarily tasked with guarding President Museveni intercepted the group before they could reach their destination.
Eyewitnesses reported fights as officers dragged protestors into waiting police vehicles. Some activists including female students were reportedly manhandled sparking outrage among onlookers.
“This is a peaceful protest! Why are they treating us like criminals?” shouted one demonstrator before being bundled into a police van.
The arrest of these students has ignited fresh debates about freedom of speech and the Ugandan government’s handling of environmental activism.
In recent years, authorities have repeatedly cracked down on protests against EACOP, often citing national security concerns.
Yet, with climate awareness rising among Uganda’s youth the government may find it increasingly difficult to silence dissent.
“This is not just about EACOP anymore, this is about the right of Ugandans to question decisions that impact their future. If protesting against environmental destruction is a crime, then we have a serious problem.”
The EACOP project, spearheaded by French oil giant TotalEnergies in partnership with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), has been met with widespread resistance from environmental groups, human rights activists and even financial institutions.
Over 40 major banks and insurers have distanced themselves from the project, citing concerns over its environmental and social impact.
Yet, Uganda’s government remains steadfast in pushing the project forward arguing that oil revenues will boost the economy and create jobs.
However, critics say that the benefits will be reaped by international corporations and the political elite while ordinary Ugandans bear the environmental and social costs.
Following the arrests, there is mounting pressure on authorities to release the students and respect the right to peaceful protest.
Meanwhile, the global #StopEACOP movement is gaining momentum with activists worldwide condemning the arrests and calling for urgent climate action.
