In what many are now calling a humanitarian crisis disguised as development, oil-related activities tied to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) have unleashed twin waves of destruction and scandal across Kyotera and Buliisa districts raising urgent questions about environmental justice, corporate accountability and the price ordinary Ugandans are being forced to pay for oil wealth.
In Kyakachwere village, Kakuto sub-county, Kyotera district, an access road linked to EACOP construction has displaced five families, destroyed homes and wiped-out critical food crops like cassava, maize, and beans.
Locals watched helplessly as flash floods blamed squarely on poor drainage planning tore through their properties, cracking house walls now on the brink of collapse.
Among the victims are Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who had initially fled the area due to flooding but returned home, unable to afford alternative housing. Now they are stuck trapped by poverty and surrounded by ruin.
“We are living in fear every time it rains,” said one resident. “Our children have nowhere to sleep, our crops are gone and no one is taking responsibility.”
These incidents have sparked public outrage and cast serious doubt on the environmental scrutiny applied to the project.
Many community members say they were never consulted or shown Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) documents which are required by Uganda’s National Environment Act of 2019.
Meanwhile, over 500 km north in Buliisa district host to the Tilenga oil project, residents are leveling chilling accusations against oil workers. At least six underage girls in a single village have allegedly been impregnated and abandoned by oil workers leaving families and communities reeling.
The victims reportedly as young as 15 years old are now struggling to survive with newborns and no support.
“These girls were lured with money and promises. Now they’re left with babies and shame,” said a local elder. “We want justice.”
Community leaders are calling for immediate government intervention to hold the perpetrators accountable and to stop what they term a “silent epidemic of exploitation.”
Many worry the oil boom is becoming a curse for vulnerable communities, fueling poverty, abuse and long-term trauma.
The back-to-back crises in Kyotera and Buliisa underscore a pattern: displacement, destruction and social breakdown are becoming collateral damage in Uganda’s rush to monetize its oil reserves.
While companies behind EACOP and Tilenga continue to promise jobs, infrastructure and national revenue, critics argue that communities are being sacrificed at the altar of profit without transparency, proper compensation, or safety nets.
Human rights and environmental organizations, including Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) are demanding full audits, independent investigations and urgent protections for affected communities.
As oil dreams begin to sour on the ground, one thing is clear; without accountability and inclusion, the promise of development may be nothing more than a pipe dream for those who need it most.
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