Ugandan farmers launch UK legal case against oil pipeline

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London: Four Ugandan farmers have launched a historic legal case in the UK High Court against a $5.6 billion oil pipeline project led by French giant TotalEnergies. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to stop the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) before operations begin in 2027.

Suing in Britain due to domestic repression, the claimants argue the project violates Uganda’s environmental and constitutional laws. This marks the first time Ugandan climate regulations have been brought before a foreign court.

Once completed, EACOP will be the world's longest heated oil pipeline. Environmentalists have condemned the massive project as a ‘carbon bomb’ that threatens highly biodiverse ecosystems and wildlife routes.

The UK-registered project is majority-owned by TotalEnergies. The company maintains that strict measures are in place to fully offset the ecological impact.