EACOP: Human Rights Defender Found After Kidnapping and Six Days of Captivity EnviroNews On the evening of January 5th, human rights defender Maxwell Atuhura was abducted by unknown assailants in western Uganda. Atuhura had been actively opposing the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), a massive infrastructure project that has raised concerns about its environmental and social impact. For six harrowing days, Atuhura’s whereabouts remained unknown. His family, friends, and supporters launched a desperate search, appealing to the authorities and human rights organizations for help. On January 11th, a breakthrough occurred. Atuhura was found alive and relatively unharmed in the western Ugandan town of Mbarara. The circumstances of his release remain unclear, but it is believed that the sustained pressure from the public and international community played a role. Atuhura’s kidnapping and detention have sparked outrage and condemnation worldwide. Civil society groups, environmental organizations, and international bodies have denounced the incident as a clear violation of human rights. The EACOP is a planned 1,445-kilometer pipeline that will transport crude oil from Uganda to Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast. The project has been criticized for its potential negative environmental impacts, including deforestation, water pollution, and displacement of communities. Human rights activists have raised concerns about the impact of the EACOP on the rights of local communities. They argue that the pipeline’s construction will require large-scale land acquisition, which could leave many families without their homes or livelihoods. The kidnapping of Atuhura is a chilling example of the risks faced by those who speak out against major infrastructure projects. It sends a clear message that those who challenge powerful interests may face intimidation, harassment, and even violence. Atuhura’s release is a small victory, but the fight for environmental and human rights in the context of the EACOP is far from over. Civil society organizations and concerned citizens must continue to raise their voices and demand that the rights of local communities and the protection of the environment are paramount.Environmental Activist Released After Kidnapping and AbuseEnvironmental Activist Released After Kidnapping and Abuse Stephen Kwikiriza, a community observer for the Environmental Governance Institute (EGI) of Uganda, was released by his captors on June 9, 2024, after being held for six days. Mr. Kwikiriza is known for his outspoken criticism of the Kingfisher oil project operated by the China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC). Abduction and Detention Mr. Kwikiriza was abducted by plainclothes officers believed to be from the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) in Kampala on June 3, 2024. He was taken to an undisclosed location and subjected to horrific conditions. He was forced to strip down to his underwear, kept in a room with minimal food, and provided only a bucket for hygiene. International Outcry Mr. Kwikiriza’s disappearance sparked outrage among human rights and environmental defenders in Uganda and internationally. The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, called for his immediate release. Mistreatment and Interrogation During his captivity, Mr. Kwikiriza was subjected to beatings and left unconscious. His captors repeatedly questioned him about the international community’s interest in his case. Demand for Investigation The StopEACOP campaign, an organization opposing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), has called for a full investigation into Mr. Kwikiriza’s kidnapping and abuse. The campaign also condemned the continued repression of activists who oppose EACOP and related oil projects. Other Repression Since May 2024, several other Ugandans involved in the StopEACOP campaign have faced arrests, searches, and surveillance. Adriko Sostein, another representative of communities affected by the Kingfisher project, was arrested and charged with unlawful assembly. Call for Halt to Retaliation The StopEACOP campaign urged an immediate end to retaliation and repression against critics of EACOP. “The concerns of affected people must be heard and taken seriously,” the group stated. Condemnation and Legal Action Zaki Mamdoo, StopEACOP campaign coordinator, condemned Mr. Kwikiriza’s kidnapping and demanded accountability. His lawyer, Brighton Aryampa, stated that abduction is inhumane and unconstitutional. Responsibility of Total Friends of the Earth France coordinator, Juliette Renaud, emphasized Total’s responsibility to respect freedom of expression and protect environmental defenders. She accused the company of ignoring the increasing harassment and threats faced by activists opposing Total’s oil projects in Uganda.