Climate Rights International (CRI) has called for the dismissal of charges against 11 Ugandan climate activists, known as the KCB11, detained for peacefully protesting the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
The activists have been held without bail for 70 days in poor conditions at Luzira Prison, with their next court hearing scheduled for July 2, 2025.
The KCB11 were arrested on April 23, 2025, after attempting to deliver a letter to Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) in Kampala, expressing concerns about the bank’s potential role in financing EACOP.
According to reports, KCB officials lured the activists into the bank’s basement under the pretense of a meeting, where police arrested them. The activists face charges of criminal trespass, despite their actions being a protected form of peaceful protest.
Court proceedings have faced multiple delays, with bail hearings postponed on May 27 due to a state event and on June 12 due to a missing case file.
The activists have been denied bail repeatedly, enduring overcrowded conditions, inadequate medical care, and water shortages at Luzira Prison.
The detention of the KCB11 is part of a broader crackdown on environmental and human rights defenders in Uganda, particularly those opposing EACOP.
The 1,443-kilometer pipeline, planned to run from Uganda to Tanzania’s port of Tanga, is operated by TotalEnergies, the Chinese National Offshore Oil Corporation, and the Uganda National Oil Company.
Critics argue it will displace communities, pollute water sources, and produce 379 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions over 25 years.
“The KCB11 have committed no crime,” said Brad Adams, executive director of Climate Rights International. “Their detention is targeted harassment meant to silence EACOP critics.”
The #StopEACOP campaign has gained traction, with over 40 financial institutions pledging not to fund the project. The activists’ letter urged KCB to withdraw support for EACOP and prioritize human rights. Climate Rights International has also called on KCB and EACOP’s owners to demand an end to criminal prosecutions of peaceful protesters.
President Museveni has faced criticism for suppressing dissent, jailing journalists, and restricting civil society as he seeks a seventh term.
“The detention of the KCB11 embodies the repression at the heart of Museveni’s rule,” Adams said.
