Bobi Wine supports EU Resolution
The National Unity Platform (NUP) boss Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine, has thrown his weight behind the European Union (EU) Parliament resolution to block a Uganda-Tanzania oil project.
Last week, the European Union Parliament criticized the East African Crude Oil Pipeline EACOP deal on grounds that it violates human rights and environmental concerns.
The EU legislator Parliament recommended the project be halted for one year and that alternative routes be established that would not affect as many people and the ecosystem.
During a press briefing on Monday held at the party head offices in Kamwokya, Bobi Wine said he is elated by the concerns the EU has based on to block the oil project. Bobi Wine says over 100000 people in the Bunyoro Region have been forcefully evicted from their land with minimal or no compensation.
“We are glad the EU cited the issues of gross Human Rights abuse and environmental abuse, among others, Over 100,000 people have been evicted and in most cases violently, so any government that doesnt think of the well being of its people is not good, ” Bobi Wine said.
He says the president has for long declared oil investment as his personal business and it’s high time he is put in check.
“We’ve heard Museveni declare it’s his oil. It’s not his oil. That is our crude. We applaud the EU Parliament Resolution, but we demand more. We have been requesting punishments,”he added
Bobi Wine supports EU Resolution
He further implored Ugandans both on ground and abroad to rally behind the EU in agitating for the huge oil investment to be blocked.
The 1400km East African Crude Oil Pipeline project is largely funded by France based Total Energies that holds 62 percent of the funding, Uganda National Oil Company, UNOC, and Petroleum Authority of Uganda.
EACOP runs from Kabaale, Hoima district in Uganda to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanga Port in Tanzania. 80% of the pipeline is in Tanzania.
It should be remembered that both the president and parliament have condemned the EU parliament for interfering in EACOP.
Last week, President Yoweri Museveni said he draws his confidence in the safety of the ecosystem and the population from the expert advice by Total Energies.
“We should remember that Total Energies convinced me about the Pipeline idea; if they choose to listen to the EU Parliament, we shall find someone else to work with,” he said, assuring all that whatever happens, Uganda will have her oil flowing by 2025.
Thomas Tayebwa the Deputy Speaker for Parliament stated that over 70% of the persons affected by land acquisition for the projects have been compensated or resettled and are undergoing livelihood improvement projects in agriculture, financial literacy, and vocational skills, among others.
He further stated that efforts to fully compensate all project affected persons are ongoing, with cooperation from the local communities and leaders.
Total energies the biggest funder in the oil deal stated that they would keep up with environmental standards.
“Uganda and Tanzania are sovereign states that have made the strategic choice to exploit their natural resources to contribute to the development of their countries. They chose TotalEnergies, guaranteeing the implementation of the best social and environmental standards with a project that will emit significantly less carbon than the current average.” says the company in a statement.
