Rights organisations have called on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to urgently intervene in ongoing evictions and strengthen protections for fishing communities affected by oil developments along Lake Albert.
In a joint letter dated March 31, the Environmental Governance Institute Uganda (EGI) and Climate Rights International (CRI) urged government to establish community-based fisheries protection units and reverse the displacement of residents near the Kingfisher oil project.
The Kingfisher project is operated by TotalEnergies, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), and the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC).
The organisations argue that despite earlier commitments by the President during his 2025 re-election campaign, there has been limited progress in implementing reforms intended to safeguard fishing communities.
“Indigenous fishermen shall manage the lakes, and the Fisheries Protection Unit must work with communities and not abuse their rights,” Museveni had pledged at the time.
They further noted that a December 26, 2025 directive to dissolve existing marine fisheries units and replace them with community-representative structures has yet to be fully implemented.
Samuel Okulony, Chief Executive Officer of EGI, warned that the lack of action risks undermining trust among affected communities.
“The absence of concrete action threatens livelihoods, safety, and access to Lake Albert’s resources,” Okulony said.
According to EGI and CRI, communities in the Lake Albert region have experienced a range of human rights violations, including destruction of fishing equipment, extortion within local value chains, and intimidation by security forces.
These concerns are detailed in reports documenting alleged abuses linked to the Kingfisher development, part of the wider East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
The organisations also raised alarm over renewed evictions in Kapapi Sub-county, Hoima District. During the campaign period, President Museveni had halted the displacement of more than 4,000 residents and directed that affected families be allowed to return.
However, the groups say the evictions resumed on February 26, reportedly carried out by soldiers under the command of Brigadier General Peter Nabasa of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Thousands of residents from villages including Waaki North, Kapapi Central, Waaki South, Runga, Kiryatete, and Kiganja are now said to be displaced, with some security personnel allegedly occupying their homes.
The organisations are now calling for immediate government action, including halting further evictions, establishing a Presidential Taskforce involving community representatives and religious leaders, and ensuring compensation for affected families.
Brad Adams, Executive Director of CRI, urged accountability for those responsible.
“Government should allow displaced communities to return home and ensure compensation for their losses, while holding accountable those involved in unlawful evictions,” he said.
The appeal adds to growing pressure on government to balance oil sector development with the protection of community rights and livelihoods in the Lake Albert region.
