Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, has dismissed what she calls “a lot of lies” spread about the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project. She stated that the pipeline does not cross through Lake Victoria and doesn’t traverse 230 rivers.
Speaking at the East African Trade and Investment Forum in Kampala on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, Nankabirwa urged foreign investors to look past misinformation and consider the benefits of the project. She assured that the pipeline, spanning 1,443km from Kabaale in Hoima district to Tanga Port in Tanzania, is insulated and employs advanced technology to mitigate its environmental impact.
Acknowledging the challenges in compensating landowners in Uganda, where land ownership is perpetual, she highlighted progress in resettling affected persons, reaching 95% completion. Nankabirwa expressed gratitude to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and government partners for their support.
Encouraging investment in the oil and gas sector, she emphasized ongoing licensing for oil exploration. Additionally, Nankabirwa pledged efforts to connect electricity to mining sites, supporting both artisan miners and large mining companies.
