Halting Oil Projects 'Treasonous', Chief Justice Zeija Warns Judges

Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija has issued a stern warning to judicial officers, stating that any court orders designed to halt Uganda’s vital oil and gas projects could be considered an act of treason. Speaking during a recent tour of oil and gas facilities, Dr. Zeija emphasized that the judiciary should facilitate, not obstruct, the nation’s economic development through these projects.

“It would be equivalent to treason for a judicial officer to put an injunction stopping the progress of an oil project because of any dispute,” Dr. Zeija stated. He urged judges to resolve legal challenges expeditiously to prevent costly delays and ensure the smooth progression of the country’s petroleum ambitions.

To address potential litigation bottlenecks, the Chief Justice announced plans to create a dedicated Environment and Infrastructure Division within the Judiciary. This specialized bench, along with targeted training for judges, aims to manage complex cases related to major national projects without stalling critical investments.

The warning from the Chief Justice echoes concerns raised by Bank of Uganda Governor, Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, who also highlighted the necessity of avoiding litigation that could jeopardize Uganda’s ‘First Oil’ target, a crucial step in the government’s economic expansion strategy.

The judicial delegation’s visit also underscored significant progress in key infrastructure developments. The Tilenga Project’s Central Processing Facility is at 68 percent completion, with plans for a phased commissioning to meet output deadlines. Meanwhile, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) construction is nearing completion at 91 percent, despite minor delays from external supply chain disruptions. These projects represent a substantial capital investment, with over $12 billion already allocated by international oil companies.