The hidden cost of oil: Families fractured by a pipeline project
3 minute readPublished: Monday, July 7, 2025 at 11:00 am
Uganda's Oil Boom: A Human Cost
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, spearheaded by Total and Chinese partners, is poised to transport crude oil from Uganda to Tanzania, promising economic benefits for Uganda. However, the project is displacing approximately 100,000 people, disrupting their lives and livelihoods.
The pipeline's construction has led to the forced relocation of communities, severing ties to ancestral lands and family graves. One such case is Ukura Midar, an 88-year-old man who was moved to make way for an airport serving the oil industry. He now lives far from his family's graves, a loss that has caused him deep sorrow.
The impact extends beyond physical displacement. Families are being fractured, and social structures are unraveling. Compensation money, intended to ease the transition, has, in some cases, fueled greed and division within families. Jacklin, a mother of nine, saw her marriage collapse after her husband received compensation, leaving her struggling to support her children.
The project has also brought environmental and health challenges. Residents near new roads experience constant traffic and damaged water sources. Despite forming grievance committees, their complaints to contractors and government authorities have largely gone unanswered.
Affected residents report feeling powerless and undervalued by the compensation process. While they received payment for their land and crops, many felt the compensation was insufficient to replace their lost livelihoods and the long-term value of their land.
The experiences in Uganda mirror a global pattern where large energy projects often prioritize economic gains over the well-being of local communities. The psychological toll is significant, with elders experiencing spiritual wounds and families facing economic hardship.
BNN's Perspective: While the economic potential of the EACOP project is undeniable, the human cost cannot be ignored. It is crucial that the government and project developers prioritize fair compensation, address environmental concerns, and ensure the long-term well-being of affected communities. Transparency and accountability are essential to mitigate the negative impacts of this development and ensure that the benefits are shared equitably.
Keywords: East African Crude Oil Pipeline, EACOP, Uganda, oil pipeline, displacement, compensation, family separation, environmental impact, economic impact, Total, Chinese partners, community impact, social disruption.