Empowering Youth for Environmental Justice: The East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project Protest

In a powerful display of unity and determination, Youth for Green Communities organized a University Day of Actions on July 3, 2023, in two key locations in Uganda: Hoima and Kampala. Students from various universities nationwide came together to raise their voices against the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline project. This initiative aimed to shed light on the project's devastating impacts on local communities and the environment while also advocating for change.

The youth activists took to the streets armed with banners and placards, sending a resounding message to the government, oil companies, banks, brokers, and insurers involved in financing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project. Their demand was clear: stop funding a project that has caused untold injustices to the communities it affects.

One of the most alarming issues is the loss of land and unfair, delayed compensation faced by these communities. Moreover, constructing the pipeline through the Albertine graben, home to over 70% of Uganda's protected areas, threatens environmental degradation on a massive scale. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline project is estimated to produce over 34.4 million tonnes of carbon annually, exacerbating the dire global climate crisis.

The significance of this movement lies not only in its message but in the way it empowers youth to lead themselves and others. Through this action, university students developed a deep understanding of the environmental and social issues linked to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project and other oil ventures in their communities. They gained the capacity to use their influence to bring about change.

The hope was that this understanding would lead these young activists to join ongoing efforts to halt the pipeline and raise awareness of the devastating impacts of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and similar projects. Their demands for alternatives represent a plea for a more sustainable and just future.

While the action faced challenges because traditional media did not cover the event, the youth turned to social media as a powerful tool for amplification. Through their online presence, they achieved impressive levels of engagement and reached over ten groups, paving the way for future collaborations.

The impact of their actions was undeniable. The number of youth voices speaking out against fossil fuels has significantly increased. Furthermore, various organizations have expressed their support by reaching out to Youth for Green Communities for publications and advocacy materials. One such material is a petition to the Director of Public Prosecution to withdraw charges against students who protested against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project last year.

Additionally, some participants from the action have published opinion articles against fossil fuels, further contributing to the discussion surrounding environmental and climate justice.

In their journey to success, Youth for Green Communities employed several principles from the Beautiful Trouble toolbox. One principle was "Be the change you want to see in the world.” This principle emphasizes the power of individual and collective action to bring about positive change, starting from within.

Another key lesson was, "Everyone has balls/ovaries of steel." This principle highlights the importance of inclusion and underscores the idea that all segments of society, including women, vulnerable communities, and youth, have a vital role to play in decision-making processes.

The inspiring stories within the Beautiful Trouble toolbox served as a wellspring of motivation and guidance for these young activists, demonstrating the power of creative and nonviolent protest.

The University Day of Actions against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project showcased the immense potential of youth when they unite for a common cause. Through their determination, knowledge, and innovative use of social media, these students have successfully amplified their voices and inspired change.

As they continue to advocate for climate and environmental justice, they remind us that the power to create a better future lies within each of us. The youth of Uganda have shown that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders of today, making a tangible impact on the world around them.