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Strides for Green partnered with 17 other organisations to petition the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Y.K. Museveni to stop oil extraction activities in the Murchison Falls National Park. The 5 page missive dated July 5, 2024 put forth a passionate plea to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni but also advocated for the preservation of one of Uganda’s most treasured natural landscapes.
The controversy centers around TotalEnergies E&P Uganda’s plans to deploy a second oil rig in the park, a move that has sparked widespread concern among conservationists and community members alike. Already, the company operates a rig drilling the Jobiri wells under the Tilenga oil project. The presence of oil extraction operations in the park has raised alarm over potential environmental degradation and threats to biodiversity.
The research also shows that various stakeholders including biodiversity experts and tour guides are worried about the impact that oil rigs, well-pads, oil roads and other infrastructure could have on biodiversity. Light pollution from the rig has been implicated as a risk to the conservation of nocturnal wildlife such as lions, leopards, various bird species and others. Paved oil roads in the park have been identified as a risk factor for increasing poaching, which is already affecting the conservation of wildlife such as hippopotami
The Albertine Graben, a region of significant ecological importance, was identified for its commercial oil reserves in 2006. Despite its economic potential, the area is renowned for its biodiversity, hosting numerous species of flora and fauna unique to the region. The coalition highlights that oil extraction in such an ecologically sensitive area poses severe risks to wildlife, ecosystems, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on these natural resources.
The petition to President Museveni emphasizes the coalition’s commitment to human rights, biodiversity conservation, and climate action. The signatories include a diverse array of stakeholders—ranging from tour operators and fisherfolk to small-scale farmers—whose lives and livelihoods are intricately linked to the health of Uganda’s natural environment.
The petition outlines several urgent concerns:
Environmental Impact: The introduction of additional oil rigs in Murchison Falls National Park could lead to irreversible damage to the park’s unique ecosystems.
Economic Considerations: While oil extraction presents potential economic benefits, the long-term impact on tourism and local economies dependent on natural resources must be considered.
Cross-Border Implications: The coalition’s inclusion of Tanzanian and Congolese partners underscores the transboundary nature of the ecosystems at risk, highlighting the need for a regional approach to conservation.
As the debate over oil extraction in Uganda’s protected areas intensifies, this petition serves as a clarion call for sustainable development practices that prioritize ecological preservation over short-term economic gains. SGI urges President Museveni and his government to reconsider the expansion of oil extraction activities within Murchison Falls National Park, advocating for a future that balances economic development with environmental stewardship.
In the face of growing global climate challenges, Uganda has an opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that economic progress need not come at the expense of its rich natural heritage.
A copy of the petition is available here.
