Police have arrested 10 anti-oil activists after they marched to Parliament and the RR Pearl Tower offices in Kampala on Monday to deliver a petition calling for changes to Uganda’s oil policies and investment priorities.
The activists, attached to Rooted Resistance, marched while holding placards and chanting slogans including “Stop EACOP” and “No to oil”.
The group staged parallel marches to Parliament and RR Pearl Tower One, where TotalEnergies offices are located, prompting police intervention.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala confirmed the arrests, saying the activists were detained on allegations 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,” she said.
Kawala warned activists against using unlawful means to present their demands and urged them to use constitutional mechanisms.
The arrests come three weeks after a similar protest on August 10, when four activists were arrested and remanded on charges of public nuisance.
In their latest petition, the activists called on Parliament to review petroleum policies and investment priorities and redirect public resources towards sectors they say can generate sustainable and widely shared wealth.
“History will not judge Uganda by how many barrels of oil we extract, but by whether we use our resources to build an economy that creates jobs, empowers citizens and protects future generations,” the petition reads in part.
They called for greater investment in renewable energy, green manufacturing, climate-smart agriculture and technological innovation, arguing that Uganda should prepare for an emerging global economy rather than increase its dependence on fossil fuels.
The activists have repeatedly opposed Uganda’s oil projects, citing potential risks to ecosystems, communities and the climate.
The government, however, regards oil as a key driver of economic growth and development.
Construction of the 1,443-kilometre East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has reached 91 percent completion, according to the government, with first oil expected before the end of 2026.
The government says oil production is expected to contribute to its ambition of growing Uganda’s economy from about $69 billion to $500 billion.
