Justice for Climate and Environmental Defenders: CEFROHT’s Continued Legal Support to EACOP Activists

  • November 19, 2025
  • Posted by: CEFROHT Reporter
  • Category: Social Justice
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The #StopEacop activists in court.
The #StopEacop activists in court.

Between November last year and August this year, over 50 environmental activists and Project Affected Persons (PAPs) were arrested across Uganda for peacefully protesting the devastating impacts of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) on livelihoods, biodiversity, and the environment.

CEFROHT’s legal team, working in collaboration with other environmental lawyers, has been at the forefront of defending these activists. By February this year, legal efforts had successfully led to the dismissal of cases against 35 of those arrested, marking a significant step in safeguarding the right to peaceful protest and civic engagement.

However, the crackdown on environmental defenders has continued. In one instance, a group of 11 activists was arrested and charged with criminal trespass after attempting to deliver a petition to KCB Bank, protesting its financial commitment to the EACOP project. Their case has faced several adjournments, first on 26th May, then 11th July (when the presiding magistrate was on leave), and later 17th July, when the activists were finally granted bail.

Another group of activists was arrested on 1st August and presented before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Buganda Road. On 6th November, the state prosecutor announced that investigations were complete and the case was ready for trial.

The increasing criminalization of peaceful environmental activism is deeply concerning. In recent cases, state prosecutors have begun producing witnesses to testify against the activists and have aggressively opposed bail, pushing for expedited trials and harsh sentences. In one hearing, a magistrate even described the accused as “perpetual protesters,” underscoring the growing hostility toward civic action for the environment.

CEFROHT continues to provide unwavering legal support to these defenders of environmental and human rights. Through these efforts, CEFROHT reaffirms its commitment to protecting civic space and ensuring that those standing up for the planet are not silenced.