The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the Belgian development agency, Enabel, have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation on promoting business and human rights in Uganda’s energy sector.
The agreement reflects both institutions’ commitment to ensuring that major infrastructure and energy projects are developed in a way that respects human rights, promotes social inclusion and supports sustainable development.
Under the partnership, EACOP and Enabel will work together to promote responsible business conduct, build capacity in human rights due diligence and support private sector alignment with Uganda’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR).
The collaboration is part of the EU-funded Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda project, co-implemented by Enabel and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
Speaking at the signing, John Bosco Habumugisha, EACOP’s deputy managing director, said corporate leadership was essential in ensuring that large-scale investments uphold human rights.
“EACOP is committed to delivering the pipeline project responsibly ensuring that growth, inclusivity and respect for human rights go hand in hand,” he said.
Nicolas Oebel, Enabel’s country director, said the partnership was closely aligned with Uganda’s national priorities.
“Enabel is proud to collaborate with EACOP, a leading private sector actor, to translate the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights into tangible actions that safeguard rights and foster sustainable investment,” he said.
Benard Mujuni, commissioner for equity and rights at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, welcomed the agreement as a significant opportunity to strengthen the implementation of the national human rights action plan within the oil and gas sector.
He said the partnership would help small and medium-sized enterprises supplying EACOP to benefit from training and support in business and human rights, ultimately promoting responsible sourcing and contributing to national content development.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is a 1,443km heated and buried pipeline designed to transport crude oil from Kabaale in Hoima district to the Chongoleani peninsula near Tanga, Tanzania, for export.
The export system includes pumping stations, pressure-reduction facilities and a marine terminal in Tanzania.
