The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) says its grievance redress mechanism is playing a key role in strengthening trust with host communities as Uganda moves closer to first oil production.
Speaking at the 11th Annual Oil and Gas Convention, company officials revealed that more than 2,200 grievances have been registered and addressed so far. This, they say, reflects growing confidence among affected communities in using the system to raise concerns.
Barbara Nakayenze, EACOP’s Human Rights Manager, explained that the mechanism has been designed to be accessible at multiple levels, including village structures, district consultative committees, and local offices.
“If people trust the system, they will use it. If they don’t, they will stay silent—and silence is dangerous for any project,” she said.
According to EACOP officials, community feedback has already influenced key project decisions, especially in culturally sensitive areas. Rosie Birungi, Social Performance Manager for Uganda and Tanzania, noted that sections of the pipeline route were adjusted to avoid graveyards and respect local traditions.
“Listening is not about slowing down projects; it is about building trust and making better decisions,” Birungi said.
She added that continuous engagement and respect for cultural values have strengthened relationships and reduced the risk of conflict along the pipeline corridor.
The company has also encouraged the public to use its toll-free lines and other engagement platforms to report grievances and seek information about the project.
This emphasis on grievance handling comes amid broader calls within the oil and gas sector for more responsible and inclusive development.
At the same convention, Pauline Nansamba Mutumba, Director of Complaints, Investigations and Legal Services at the Uganda Human Rights Commission, warned that failure to respect human rights has led to the collapse of major projects across Africa.
“Business and human rights is more than charity—it is about dignity and accountability,” she said, stressing that protecting community rights is essential for sustainable investment in the extractives sector.
Other stakeholders noted that Uganda’s oil and gas industry has made deliberate efforts to balance economic growth with social responsibility. These include strengthening oversight of contractors and improving transparency in handling complaints.
They emphasized that effective grievance mechanisms are not only an ethical obligation but also a practical tool for preventing disputes and maintaining stability.
As Uganda moves closer to commercial oil production, industry players say integrating human rights into project implementation will be critical to ensuring that the benefits of oil development are shared widely and sustainably.
