Oil Projects Threaten Uganda’s Wetlands, AFIEGO Report Warns

What the report says

Nile Post reports that the Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) has released a new assessment warning that construction linked to Uganda’s oil infrastructure is damaging wetlands and creating risks for wildlife and communities. The report, released Tuesday, examined works associated with the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, the Victoria Nile Pipeline Crossing under the Tilenga project, and the Kingfisher feeder pipeline.

According to the report as cited by Nile Post, affected areas include wetland systems around Murchison Falls, the Albert Delta Ramsar site, Kibale, Bukoora, Kafu, and parts of the Lake Albert and Lake Victoria basins. AFIEGO said construction activity has contributed to siltation, blocked tributaries, heavier human presence, noise, air pollution and increased vehicle movement. The group also linked Kingfisher feeder pipeline works to reduced water in River Rutooha, with residents reporting that chimpanzees in Wambabya Forest have increasingly entered nearby communities in search of water and food.

The article notes that Uganda’s wetlands cover about 13.9 percent of the country and support water regulation, biodiversity and carbon storage. AFIEGO also cited their economic value and said many Ugandans rely on wetland resources for food security. The Murchison Falls-Albert Delta Ramsar system was highlighted for its importance to birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians and Lake Albert fisheries.

AFIEGO officials, including Diana Nabiruma and Chief Executive Officer Dickens Kamugisha, urged restoration of damaged wetlands and a broader review of oil development impacts. Kamugisha called on the government and oil companies, including TotalEnergies EP Uganda and China National Offshore Oil Corporation Uganda, to address environmental harm tied to petroleum projects.