news 31 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Police Detain 10 Activists Over Anti-EACOP Protests in Kampala
Kampala police arrested ten activists from Rooted Resistance for protesting against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and demanding a shift in national investment priorities. The demonstration occurred just three weeks after a similar incident involving four other activists. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/police-arrest-10-anti-eacop-activists-after-kampala-protests-5577536
Ten activists associated with the Rooted Resistance group were apprehended by police in Kampala on Monday following protests against Uganda’s oil policies, particularly the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
The group marched towards Parliament and the RR Pearl Tower, where TotalEnergies maintains offices, carrying placards with messages like “Stop EACOP” and “No to oil.” Their demonstration aimed to deliver a petition urging a review of petroleum policies and investment strategies.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Rachel Kawala, confirmed the arrests, stating that the individuals were detained on grounds of being a public nuisance. “Police at Kampala Central Police Station are holding 10 suspects for allegedly being a public nuisance on the road; they are currently in police custody pending court. We are yet to record their statements,” Kawala explained. She advised activists to utilize constitutional channels for presenting their grievances rather than resorting to unlawful methods.
This incident follows a similar protest on August 10, which resulted in the arrest and remand of four activists on public nuisance charges.
The activists’ petition advocates for redirecting public resources towards sectors capable of generating sustainable and broadly distributed wealth, such as renewable energy, green manufacturing, climate-smart agriculture, and technological innovation. They argue that Uganda should focus on preparing for a future global economy rather than increasing its reliance on fossil fuels.
Conversely, the Ugandan government views oil as a critical component for economic growth and development. Official figures indicate that the construction of the 1,443-kilometer EACOP is 91 percent complete, with the first oil production anticipated before the close of 2026. The government projects that oil revenues will significantly boost the nation’s economy, aiming for a growth from approximately $69 billion to $500 billion.