Tanzania and Uganda to Build 900-Mile-Long Pipeline

Construction for a planned pipeline between Uganda and Zimbabwe will begin in western Uganda’s Hoima district.

Tanzania and Uganda officially authorized the construction of East Africa’s first major oil pipeline, which will stretch from Uganda’s oil fields to Tanzania’s port of Tanga, on September 13. The proposed pipeline, being spearheaded by French energy giant Total, would stretch for 900 miles, 80 percent of which would be in Tanzania. Though the 3.5 billion dollar project could destroy nature reserves in both countries and force thousands of families to leave their homes, officials expect it to create jobs and improve health and educational opportunities in the region.

British petroleum company Tullow Oil discovered oil in Uganda under Lake Albert in 2006. Previous commercial and construction projects in the Albertine basin faced enormous criticism because of their potential for human rights violations, disruption of children’s education, slow payments, and other financial issues. The nonprofit group Oxfam conducted research for the current oil deal and noted that “communities are particularly worried about the future,” with locals fearing water contamination, noise pollution, air pollution,and negative health impacts. In light of these uncertainties, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) has asked that the leaders involved “end extractive activities in protected and sensitive ecosystems, including the shores of Lake Albert, and commit to using the best available technology to preserve the culture, health, and future of impacted communities.” 

The route of the pipeline would run very close to Africa’s largest body of water, Lake Victoria, while also weaving through numerous human settlements and diverse ecosystems. The FIDH conducted a risk assessment study and determined that oil drilling has the potential to drastically alter the lives of everyday residents. Given that the project would likely inhibit children’s access to school, the education of children may also temporarily suffer and families could lose income. 

In response to the environmental concerns, Total declared their appreciation for “the sensitivity of the project.” As for the concerns pertaining to impact on local communities, Total responded by saying that “the [project’s] consultation stage involved the participation of 10,000 people and an approval process by Ugandan authorities.” Furthermore, 35 Community Liaison Officers have served to maintain an open dialogue with local communities and ease public fears by answering any questions that they may have. 

In order to see what would happen if they tapped into the Ugandan reserves, Total performed its first relocation action plan (RAP 1) on 622 households affected by the project. This plan recorded the responses of 223 of the households and showed that rather than access to essential services decreasing, access to hospitals and clinics increased by 35.5 percent while enrollment in secondary school increased by 9.6 percent. 

Despite this assurance from Total, locals remain wary towards the project. However, continued government assurances that the pipeline will generate 3.24 billion dollars over the next 25 years and create upwards to 18,000 jobs has kept the pipeline on track. Construction will likely begin in March 2021 with a three year timeline.