news 20 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Police Arrest Six Activists Protesting EACOP at TotalEnergies Offices in Kampala
Authorities detained six environmental activists from the Rooted in Resistance group after they attempted to deliver a petition against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline at TotalEnergies' Kampala headquarters. The group, including students like Albert Oguti and Julius Kagonde, faces charges of inciting violence and disrupting public order. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/six-anti-eacop-protestors-arrested-in-kampala-5430642
On Monday, police in Kampala arrested six young environmental activists who marched to TotalEnergies’ offices along Yusuf Lule Road to protest the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.
The group, operating under the Rooted in Resistance banner, includes Albert Oguti, Julius Kagonde, Joseph Epwaat, Paul Ilukor, Ronney Nayumba, and Erick Ssekande. They sought to submit a petition urging the company to halt EACOP and shift to renewable energy options.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigye stated that the students were mobilizing for an unlawful demonstration likely to incite violence and disturb public order. They will face court once files are prepared, following the interception of over 50 youths by security.
The petition criticized TotalEnergies for pursuing Tilenga and EACOP amid Uganda’s debt crisis, warning of environmental damage, climate impacts, and inadequate compensation for displaced communities.
Their lawyer, Doreen Namala, condemned the denial of police bond at Wandegeya station as a violation of constitutional rights, contrasting it with swift bail in serious cases like murder.
This incident follows last Friday’s sentencing of eight activists to 11 months for public nuisance by Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court.
EACOP, a 1,443 km pipeline from Hoima to Tanga, Tanzania, is at 55% progress as of March 2025 and set to transport 246,000 barrels daily upon completion, costing around $5 billion led by TotalEnergies and partners.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)