news 17 September 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Albertine Graben: Residents Endure Violence and Eviction Amidst Oil Exploration
Over a thousand families in Kapaapi village, Hoima District, are living in constant fear of violent eviction as cartels, allegedly aided by rogue security forces, seize land for oil exploration in the Albertine Graben. Residents describe a harrowing experience of forced displacement, property destruction, and lack of recourse. Source: https://observer.ug/news/nobody-came-to-our-rescue-pain-and-anguish-in-albertine-graben
Kapaapi village, located in Bugahya county of Hoima district, has become a focal point of conflict and anguish. Approximately 1,000 families are currently living under the pervasive threat of eviction, fueled by alleged activities of cartels employing elements from the UPDF, police, and private security firms. These ruthless tactics are reportedly aimed at dispossessing communities of their land in the resource-rich Albertine Graben, a region experiencing significant oil exploration.
An investigation into the situation reveals a complex interplay of power and profit, leveraging proximity to state actors and transnational oil companies. TotalEnergies, a key player in the Tilenga oil project, holds significant interest in land adjacent to Kapaapi, where a crucial feeder pipeline has been constructed. The Tilenga project, a joint venture involving TotalEnergies, CNOOC, and UNOC, is poised to yield substantial crude oil production and revenue over the coming decades.
The evictions appear to be directly linked to the anticipated exploration of the Kasuruban block, which encompasses Kapaapi and extends into neighboring districts. UNOC holds a license for this block, estimated to contain significant oil reserves. Residents like Samwiri Kataaza recount harrowing experiences of being forcibly removed from their homes, with accounts of violence, rape, and livestock theft during a raid in February 2023. Security personnel, including police and private guards, were allegedly involved in the operation, which resulted in the destruction of homes and the displacement of numerous families.
Despite attempts to seek justice through legal channels and appeals to the Uganda Human Rights Commission, victims report a lack of effective intervention. While directives for arrests were issued by a state minister, alleged perpetrators have reportedly been redeployed rather than prosecuted. The situation remains at an impasse, leaving the displaced communities in a state of perpetual fear and uncertainty, with their pleas for rescue seemingly unheard.