Police have arrested youths from Rooted in Resistance who were marching to Parliament to deliver a petition calling for Uganda to stop expanding its oil industry and adopt what they describe as a more people-centred economic model.
The group was intercepted by Parliamentary Police as they headed to Parliament to submit their petition on Uganda’s oil developments, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
Rooted in Resistance says Uganda should reconsider whether oil production is the best way to develop the country, especially at a time when the population is growing quickly and many young people are struggling to find jobs and economic opportunities.
The group argues that Uganda has other resources that can support the economy for many years, including fertile land, water, wildlife, biodiversity and a large young population.
The activists are mainly opposed to the continued expansion of Uganda’s oil infrastructure.
They are calling for a halt to new oil extraction facilities, pipelines, export infrastructure and other projects linked to petroleum production.
They argue that oil is a finite resource, meaning it will eventually run out, and therefore should not become the main foundation of Uganda’s economy.
They also say the oil industry requires large amounts of money and technology but does not create enough jobs compared to sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.
The group wants government to put more money and attention into sectors that can employ and benefit larger numbers of Ugandans.
These include agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, renewable energy, technology, education and innovation.
Rooted in Resistance says Uganda needs an economy that can create opportunities for its growing population, particularly young people.
The group argues that investing heavily in oil may not create enough jobs because petroleum production is highly capital-intensive and depends heavily on expensive equipment and specialised skills.
Instead, they want Uganda to develop industries that can involve more Ugandans directly, especially through farming, processing agricultural products, manufacturing and locally owned businesses.
The activists also raised concerns about the impact of oil projects on the environment.
They say oil infrastructure can affect communities, forests, wildlife, fisheries and tourism, as well as families whose livelihoods depend on land.
They are particularly concerned that continued investment in oil could put pressure on natural resources and affect people who depend on agriculture and other land-based activities.
The group is asking Parliament to review Uganda’s petroleum policies, agreements and investment priorities.
They want this review to be done openly and with the interests of Ugandans placed at the centre.
They also want Parliament to consider whether the money and resources being directed towards oil could instead be invested in sectors capable of creating wider economic opportunities.
The protest comes as government continues to support the development of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.
According to government, construction of the 1,443-kilometre EACOP has reached 91 percent completion, with the country expecting the first oil before the end of 2026.
The pipeline is being developed to transport Uganda’s crude oil from the oil fields in the Albertine region to the Tanzanian coast for export.
Rooted in Resistance, however, wants Uganda to take a different path and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
The group says Uganda should instead prepare for an economy based on renewable energy, green industries, climate-smart agriculture, technology and value addition.
The activists insist that demanding an oil-free economy does not mean they are against development.
They say they want a development model in which Ugandans are able to own businesses, create jobs and build wealth, rather than wait for benefits from the oil industry.
By press time, Police had not provided details on the number of youths arrested, their identities or the reasons for their arrest.
