Four Ugandan farmers have filed legal proceedings before the United Kingdom High Court seeking to apply Ugandan constitutional, environmental and climate legislation to EACOP Ltd, the United Kingdom registered company responsible for financing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline. The case represents a significant development in the continuing legal scrutiny surrounding one of Africa’s largest energy infrastructure projects.
The claim was lodged on Tuesday and is supported by the advocacy organisation Avaaz, which has described the proceedings as the first attempt to ask a foreign court to apply Ugandan environmental and constitutional law to a company incorporated in England and Wales. The claimants argue that the legal action should be heard before the pipeline becomes operational, with construction continuing ahead of its anticipated commencement of oil transportation in 2027.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline, commonly known as EACOP, is valued at approximately US$5.6 billion and will extend approximately 1,443 kilometres from oil fields in Uganda’s Lake Albert region to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. Once completed, it is expected to become the world’s longest electrically heated crude oil pipeline. The project is led by TotalEnergies, which holds the largest ownership stake, alongside the Uganda National Oil Company, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
The claimants contend that the project is inconsistent with provisions of Uganda’s Constitution and the country’s environmental and climate legislation. According to the legal filing, the pipeline has implications for communities affected by land acquisition processes and passes through environmentally sensitive ecosystems, including freshwater resources and protected habitats.
Avaaz has stated that more than 100,000 people are expected to be directly or indirectly affected through land acquisition associated with the project. The organisation argues that, if successful, the proceedings could lead to legal remedies that include restrictions on the transportation of crude oil through the pipeline. It also describes the litigation as an important test of how domestic environmental protections may be considered in relation to multinational infrastructure projects operating across jurisdictions.
The legal challenge follows a series of proceedings involving the project in European courts. In France, where TotalEnergies is headquartered, the company has previously faced litigation concerning its environmental responsibilities. Recent court decisions have continued to shape legal discussions around corporate accountability and climate related obligations, although separate proceedings remain subject to ongoing legal processes.
TotalEnergies has consistently maintained that the project is being developed in accordance with applicable environmental and social standards. The company states that measures have been implemented to avoid, reduce and offset environmental impacts, including programmes aimed at restoring forests and wetlands and strengthening biodiversity conservation in areas surrounding the pipeline corridor.
The company has also maintained that compensation and resettlement activities are being undertaken in accordance with national legal requirements and international standards, while emphasising the project’s anticipated contribution to economic development, government revenues, employment opportunities and regional energy infrastructure in both Uganda and Tanzania.
Critics of the project, including environmental organisations and some affected community members, continue to raise concerns regarding environmental protection, livelihoods and community rights. Some Ugandan activists have also alleged intimidation and arrests linked to their opposition to the pipeline, allegations that have drawn international attention while remaining contested within broader political and legal debates.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline remains one of the most strategically significant infrastructure investments on the African continent. Supporters view the project as an opportunity to monetise natural resources, expand regional integration and generate long term economic benefits. Others continue to question how development objectives can be balanced with environmental stewardship, climate commitments and the rights of communities living along the pipeline corridor.
The latest proceedings before the UK High Court add another layer to an evolving legal landscape that increasingly examines the responsibilities of multinational corporations operating across borders. The outcome of the case could influence future discussions on corporate governance, environmental accountability and the interaction between domestic law and international business operations.
