On May 29th, 2024, dozens of members from Students Against EACOP Uganda held a non-violent demonstration at the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda. They aimed to petition the House Speaker, Anita Annet Among, to prioritize a motion urging the shareholders of EACOP Ltd to abandon their plans for constructing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline. The protestors argued that the pipeline project endangers the region’s natural resources and threatens human survival.
The peaceful protest march commenced at around 9:40 AM, with members attempting to deliver their petition directly to the Speaker’s office. However, their efforts were thwarted by police officers stationed at the Parliamentary Police Station. The police intercepted the demonstrators, subjected them to interrogation, and detained three student activists for over eight hours. These activists faced threatening statements from both plainclothes state operatives and police officers who tried to dissuade them from further protests against EACOP.
Despite the intimidation and obstacles, the demonstrators remained resolute and committed to their cause. They continue to push for their demand to halt the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, driven by the motivation to protect the region’s natural resources and ensure human survival.