Landowners in Uganda’s Oil Field Facing Imminent Eviction: A Story of Fear and Uncertainty

Landowners in Uganda’s oil-rich Albertine region are facing imminent eviction after a rushed court ruling in favor of the government. The High Court ruled in just four days that compensation money for expropriation should be deposited with the court, allowing TotalEnergies to proceed with oil refinery construction and pipeline installation.

The landowners, including Mugisha Jealousy Mulimba, are refusing to accept what they deem as unjust and inadequate compensation. They are on the brink of homelessness, facing eviction for standing up for their rights.

Human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza criticized the judge’s hasty decision, stating that it violated legal principles and undermined fundamental human rights. Kiiza and other lawyers are urging the Uganda Law Society to boycott the Judiciary’s activities in protest.

Despite efforts to appeal the ruling, the landowners are still waiting for the Court of Appeal to hear their case. Meanwhile, they are being threatened by security operatives, adding to their distress.

TotalEnergies, the company acquiring the land on behalf of the government, is facing backlash for its role in the evictions. While the company claims to oppose forceful evictions, it is still working with the government to displace the landowners.

As the landowners continue to fight for fair compensation and justice, the situation remains tense. With the threat of eviction looming, they are determined to stand their ground and protect their rights.