EACOP HOSTS CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS (CSCO) ENGAGEMENT ON PROJECT PROGRESS AND SUSTAINABILITY

On 29^th November 2024, EACOP held a meeting with members of the CSCO civil society at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala to discuss the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project’s progress, impacts, and collaboration opportunities. The event brought together civil society representatives, government officials, and EACOP leadership, including the incoming Managing Director, Guillaume Dulout, and Deputy Managing Director, John Bosco Habumugisha. The discussions focused on transparency, sustainability, and fostering inclusive partnerships to ensure the project delivers shared benefits to all stakeholders.

During the meeting, EACOP shared updates on the 1,443-kilometer pipeline’s technical progress, including design features, leak detection mechanisms, and heating systems. Social and environmental aspects were central to the dialogue, with EACOP highlighting its efforts in land acquisition, where 98% of affected land has been acquired consensually, and community development initiatives such as livelihood restoration, vocational training, and housing for displaced families. Civil society representatives raised concerns about compensation adequacy, land-for-land alternatives, and the need for humane displacement processes, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based advocacy and informed community participation.

Our incoming Managing Director Guillaume Dulout emphasized the crucial role of civil society in shaping the project’s sustainable and inclusive implementation. He highlighted EACOP’s commitment to human rights, gender equity, and grievance redress mechanisms, while encouraging collaboration to empower communities, particularly marginalized groups like women and youth. He also reaffirmed EACOP’s dedication to balancing economic development with environmental protection through initiatives such as biodiversity offsets, tree planting campaigns, and renewable energy promotion in affected areas.

The meeting highlighted the shared vision of achieving sustainable development while addressing community and environmental concerns. Both EACOP and civil society reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and collaboration to ensure the pipeline project benefits communities, supports regional growth, and adheres to high environmental standards.