Ugandan farmers take legal action in UK over controversial oil pipeline

Four Ugandan farmers have launched a legal challenge in the United Kingdom against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.

Four Ugandan farmers have launched a legal challenge in the United Kingdom against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, arguing that the massive energy project violates Uganda’s environmental and constitutional laws. The case, filed on Tuesday, is being described by campaigners as an unprecedented legal effort that could have major consequences for one of Africa’s largest oil developments.

The 5.6 billion dollar pipeline is being developed by a consortium led by French energy company TotalEnergies. Once completed, it will transport crude oil from Uganda to the Tanzanian port of Tanga through what is expected to become the world’s longest heated oil pipeline. Commercial operations are currently planned to begin in 2027.

Although the project is based in East Africa, the case has been brought before a British court because the pipeline company is registered in the United Kingdom. The farmers argue that legal action in Uganda is difficult due to what they describe as intimidation and restrictions faced by opponents of the project.

The rights organisation Avaaz, which is supporting the legal challenge, said the lawsuit seeks court orders that could directly affect the future of the pipeline. Among the requests is an injunction that would prevent oil from being transported through the pipeline if the court finds that the project breaches Ugandan law.

Campaigners believe this is the first time Ugandan environmental legislation has been tested before a foreign court. They argue that the outcome could influence how multinational companies are held accountable for projects that have environmental and climate related consequences beyond national borders.

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline has faced strong criticism from environmental organisations and climate experts since it was announced. Critics describe it as a major source of future greenhouse gas emissions and estimate that it could generate around 379 million tonnes of climate warming pollution during its projected twenty year operating life.

Environmental groups have also raised concerns about the route of the pipeline, which passes through ecologically sensitive areas. A significant portion of the oil is expected to come from wells located within Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park, one of the country’s most important wildlife reserves. Conservationists warn that oil production and the pipeline could threaten forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats and migration routes. They also fear that any future oil leak could cause long term environmental damage.

TotalEnergies has rejected claims that the project is being developed irresponsibly. The company says it has introduced strict environmental safeguards to reduce its impact on nature. It also states that programmes are in place to restore forests and wetlands while supporting biodiversity in affected areas.

Opponents of the project say they have faced increasing pressure from authorities because the pipeline remains a key priority for the Ugandan government. Activists have reported cases of arrests and intimidation during protests against the development.

The pipeline has already been the subject of several legal cases in France, where TotalEnergies is headquartered. Last week, a Paris court ruled that the company could be held responsible for greenhouse gas emissions produced by customers using its fossil fuel products. Environmental groups welcomed that decision as an important step in strengthening climate related legal accountability.

The latest case in Britain is expected to attract international attention as campaigners continue challenging large fossil fuel projects through the courts while governments and energy companies seek to balance economic development with growing environmental concerns.