Ugandan farmers sue TotalEnergies over EACOP

Four Ugandan farmers have launched a historic legal case in the UK High Court against TotalEnergies and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), seeking an injunction to stop the $5.6 billion pipeline before operations begin in 2027. The lawsuit argues that the project violates Uganda's environmental, climate, and constitutional laws, and is the first time Ugandan climate regulations have been brought before a foreign court. The case is supported by Avaaz and crowdfunded by over 40,000 donors. EACOP, the world's longest heated oil pipeline, will transport oil from Uganda to Tanzania and is majority-owned by TotalEnergies, with participation from Uganda National Oil Company, Nigeria — Petroleum Technology Development Fund, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation. Environmental groups have labeled the project a 'carbon bomb,' while TotalEnergies maintains strict environmental safeguards are in place. A Paris court recently ruled TotalEnergies liable for client emissions, adding pressure.