Uganda discovered commercial oil deposits in 2006, a development that marked a new chapter in the country’s economic growth potential. With ongoing efforts to ensure Uganda produces its first oil by 2025, three key projects—Tilenga, Kingfisher, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)—are underway. While these projects present significant economic opportunities, they are located in some of Uganda’s most eco-sensitive areas, such as the Murchison Falls National Park and the Albertine Rift, regions rich in biodiversity and critical to conservation efforts.

Environmental and Social Impacts

The oil and gas sector has already led to considerable environmental challenges. The extraction and transportation of crude oil have resulted in the clearing of forests, pollution of water bodies, displacement of communities, and the destruction of fragile ecosystems. These activities threaten Uganda’s green economy, which relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and natural resources. The loss of biodiversity and ecological imbalance could have long-term impacts on climate, food security, and livelihoods for local communities.

The Urgency of Sustainable Resource Management

In light of these challenges, the main goal of the Environmental Conservation and Extractives Program is to promote sustainable natural resource management. This involves:

• Advocating for the preservation of ecosystems: Protecting Uganda’s natural heritage by enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring oil and gas activities follow internationally accepted conservation standards.
• Promoting green economic alternatives: Encouraging investment in renewable energy, ecotourism, and sustainable agriculture that can provide livelihoods while preserving natural ecosystems.
• Engaging local communities: Ensuring that the voices of affected communities are heard in decision-making processes, advocating for community-driven conservation efforts, and promoting environmental education.

Climate Change and Net Zero Goals

The expansion of the fossil fuel industry in Uganda poses significant challenges to the global goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. Scientific studies have increasingly shown that to meet climate targets and prevent catastrophic climate change, countries must significantly reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and transition to cleaner energy sources. Uganda is no exception.

The Environmental Conservation and Extractives Program is committed to:

• Stopping further expansion of the fossil fuel industry: Advocating for a moratorium on new oil and gas projects, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.
• Promoting the transition to renewable energy: Supporting investments in solar, wind, and biomass energy projects that provide sustainable energy while minimizing environmental harm.
• Aligning with international climate goals: Ensuring that Uganda’s development aligns with its commitments to the Paris Agreement, which calls for limiting global warming to 1.5°C by phasing out fossil fuels.

Advocacy and Policy Influence

The program also plays a critical role in influencing government policies and corporate practices. Through partnerships with civil society organizations, environmental activists, and international advocacy groups, efforts are being made to:

• Lobby for stricter environmental regulations in the oil and gas sector.
• Encourage transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources.
• Research and disseminate scientific data that highlights the long-term risks of oil extraction in fragile ecosystems.