Justice on the Line: CEFROHT’s Legal Challenge against the EACOP

CEFROHT, alongside other civil society organizations, continues to champion environmental justice and the rights of EACOP Project Affected Persons (PAPs) through a landmark case filed at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). The case challenges the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) running from Uganda to Tanzania, a project that poses significant threats to the region’s environment, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of affected populations.

During the trial hearings held in February this year, CEFROHT’s legal team and environmental defenders presented robust arguments emphasizing that the case was filed within the legally permissible time frame. We stressed that the case was lodged within two months of the publication of critical information about the project, and that prior governmental actions could not be assumed as publicly known. This directly challenges the trial court’s preliminary dismissal of the case on grounds of alleged late filing.

Our Prayer to the EACJ

With the ruling on this matter coming up on 26^th November, 2025, CEFROHT’s prayer to the EACJ is for the court to overturn the trial court’s decision and remit the case to the first instance division for a full hearing on its merits.

About the Case

CEFROHT argues that the EACOP project violates multiple legal frameworks, including the Treaty establishing the East African Community, the Lake Victoria Basin Protocol, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and various international environmental treaties. At the heart of the case is the contention that the pipeline contravenes climate change commitments at international, regional, and national levels, jeopardizing the fragile ecosystems of the Lake Victoria basin and beyond. This case represents more than a legal battle; it is a fight for the future of East Africa’s environment, communities, and livelihoods.

CEFROHT is committed to ensuring that the EACOP project does not proceed unchecked, advocating for the protection of biodiversity, climate resilience, and the rights of all project-affected persons.

We await the court’s judgment with hope that justice will prevail for the people and the environment of the East African region.