Activists Remain in Custody as Court Case Over Oil Policy Protest Continues

[Eronda]

Ten activists affiliated with Rooted in Resistance remain in custody following their latest appearance before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala. The group faces charges of public nuisance stemming from an August protest march to Parliament, where they sought to petition lawmakers for reforms to Uganda’s oil policies and the reallocation of public resources toward sustainable economic sectors.

Rooted in Resistance, a youth-led environmental justice movement formerly known as Students Against EACOP, has been at the forefront of campaigns opposing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and related petroleum developments in Uganda. The activists argue that the projects pose significant environmental risks, threaten affected communities, and divert attention from investments in sectors they believe could deliver broader and more sustainable economic benefits.

Speaking after the court proceedings, human rights advocate Doreen Namara raised concerns about the welfare of the detained activists, particularly female members of the group who reportedly sustained injuries during their arrest and require medical attention.

The activists returned to court on September 18, but the matter could not proceed due to the absence of the presiding magistrate. The court subsequently adjourned the case, with the next hearing scheduled for October 12.

The case has drawn attention from civil society organizations and environmental campaigners, who continue to call for respect for the rights of peaceful demonstrators while maintaining their opposition to Uganda’s oil development agenda.

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