Police in Kampala have blocked and arrested several environmental activists, primarily students, who were protesting the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) on the streets of Kampala.
The group, which had planned to march to Stanbic Bank today August 1, 2025, was demanding that the financial institution halt its partial debt financing for the controversial pipeline project.
The students, some of whom were carrying banners and chanting slogans, took to the streets to voice their opposition to the project, which they argue poses significant environmental and social risks, particularly to communities along the pipeline’s route.
The protest was met with a strong response from police, who quickly intervened, arresting several demonstrators as they attempted to march towards Stanbic Bank’s offices.
Stanbic Bank, along with other financial institutions, has faced growing pressure from environmentalists to withdraw support for the project, but the bank has so far defended its involvement, citing its commitment to sustainability and responsible investments.
Critics argue that the pipeline will lead to environmental destruction, including deforestation, the risk of oil spills, and the displacement of local communities.
Freedom Hive Uganda, an advocacy group focused on environmental and civil rights, strongly condemned the arrests.
According to the civil rights group, the police action is a violation of the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, referencing Article 29 of Uganda’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly and association.
“We strongly condemn the brutal arrest of students protesting against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)… Protecting nature and safeguarding the environment should be a collective responsibility in the public interest, not a reason to victimize those who advocate for a clean and sustainable environment,” Freedom Hive Uganda said on X.
The protests are part of a broader movement that has been vocal in its opposition to the EACOP, which is set to transport oil from Uganda’s western oil fields to the Tanzanian coast.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of arrests, but the students’ efforts to stage the protest were effectively thwarted.
