The main questions that have dominated reaction by Ugandans regarding the resolutions at the European Parliament are whether Uganda’s oil industry will get funding or if it is possible to reroute the crude export pipeline.
The latter was what the parliamentarians called on Uganda and Tanzania and the oil companies to do; halt the development of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, EACOP, project for at least a year to find an alternative route.
The legislators were convinced by members of the Green Party, that the current route from Western Uganda to the Tanzanian coastal town of Tanga, “goes through 16 protected areas and will kill hippos,” and that the pipeline will affect the “230 rivers which serve 44 million Ugandans.”
Dickens Kamugisha, the Chief Executive of the Africa Institute for Energy Governance, says it is high time the governments went for talks with the EU and other development partners, to ensure the industry is developed smoothly.
Speaking about the demands of the European politicians, Mr. Peter Muliisa, the head of legal and corporate affairs at UNOC who wants the European Union to point at the 230 rivers mentioned by their parliament, said the European parliament’s resolutions have no effect on the industry, saying that no point raised in the parliament held substance.
He says all the development have undergone multiple levels of scrutiny in line with international standards, providing for the protection of wildlife and other natural resources, while all affected persons have been compensated, save for two along the EACOP still having issues. Mr. Muliisa speaking……..
Nj Ayuk, the Chairman of the Africa Energy Chamber says he has visited Uganda and toured the oil and gas facilities several times, commending the efforts to protect the environment and the population. Mr. Ayuk speaking………
Dr. Dozith Abeinomugisha, a Commissioner in the petroleum directorate explains that that the most modern technology has been applied in the industry and the same is being done for the pipeline, including burying and nsulating the pipeline means that after construction works, human activity like cultivating can still take place on the ground.
The pipeline will not be powered by diesel, but hydro and solar electricity systems, which is aimed at ensuring minimal amounts of emission. On top of the thick walls of the insulated pipeline, it will have a shock detection mechanism that will warn against possible damage, like excavation works. END