Buganda Kingdom has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), cementing a partnership that seeks to advance environmental conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable development in Uganda.
More Than Trees: People at the Centre
While the partnership includes tree planting and ecosystem restoration, its focus is much broader. It is about investing in people, creating opportunities, and building resilience among communities along the pipeline route.
EACOP representatives emphasized that the initiative will not only restore biodiversity but also empower households through projects that generate income, skills, and long-term resilience.
“Together we are sowing seeds that will grow into a legacy of sustainability, empowerment, and progress,’ said an EACOP shareholder during the MoU signing.
“This partnership goes beyond the environment — it is about uplifting people and ensuring future generations inherit both resources and opportunities.”
Government Endorsement
The Ugandan government has also welcomed the partnership, describing it as “spot on” in addressing both environmental protection and youth engagement. Officials highlighted that conservation is critical for the oil sector to avoid the mistakes seen elsewhere in Africa, where communities failed to benefit from resource exploitation.
“The environment is cardinal. When people do not see benefits from resources like oil or gold, they start questioning their value. This partnership ensures Ugandans can connect natural resource wealth to tangible community progress.”
Buganda Kingdom’s Role
The Buganda Kingdom pledged full support for the initiative, noting that it aligns with its longstanding values of environmental stewardship and community development. By engaging directly in conservation and youth-focused programs, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a key driver of sustainability in the region.
Why It Matters
- Uganda hosts some of Africa’s most biodiverse ecosystems, which are under pressure from population growth and industrial activity.
- The EACOP project, spanning over 1,400 km from Uganda to Tanzania, has faced scrutiny over environmental and social impacts. This partnership with Buganda Kingdom signals a commitment to balance development with sustainability.
- By integrating tree growing, skills training, and community SACCOs, the partnership ensures conservation is tied directly to livelihoods.
Looking Ahead
The partnership between Buganda Kingdom and EACOP marks the beginning of deeper collaboration between cultural institutions, the private sector, and government in addressing Uganda’s development priorities.
As the oil sector expands, the MoU stands as a model for how natural resource exploitation can be matched with social responsibility, environmental protection, and inclusive growth.
