KAMPALA- Two Environmentalists have been apprehended by the Police in a foiled Anti–EACOP march to the European Union Head Offices in Kampala.
The suspects have been identified as Brian Waswa and Akram Katende, all who are members of the Justice Movement Uganda, a group of various youth from different universities advocating for climate Change. These have been spearheading protests against the East African Crude Oil- project in western Uganda.
The protestors, mainly from Kyambogo, Makerere and Kampala International Universities, were surrounded by the police outside the European Union office at Nile Avenue in Kampala, before handing over their petition. But Police only arrested two while the rest escaped.
These, carrying placards and wearing t-shirts with protest messages, were calling the EU for the immediate action in their need for halting the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project’s construction. Led by Ibrahim Mpima, said on several occasions, they have written to the head of the EU delegation about the EACOP project disasters but without getting any response, prompting them to try and march to the offices.
//Cue in; “we are not violent …
One of the protesters, Waswa said that every euro given to oil, gas, and coal industries is a euro stolen from the future of Africa, its people and environment, among others they are demanding for an investment in Africa’s clean renewable energy future such as solar.
“Africa can generate clean, sustainable energy that benefits local communities, creates jobs, and helps fight climate change. The EU has the resources to help us achieve this. It’s time they do the right things, by putting money where its mouth is by supporting climate justice, not oil extraction. One of the protesters said before arrest”.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, has confirmed the arrests who are currently detained at the Central Police Station in Kampala on charges inciting violence and unlawful assembly.
The Protesters are still calling upon the government and all stakeholders involved in the controversial project to stop it. They claim the oil venture will escalate environmental devastation and human rights violations in Uganda.
In August this year, a group of seven people including a Belgian activist were arrested outside the Chinese embassy with a petition urging the Chinese government to withdraw support for the China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC), one of the primary funders of the EACOP project.
