Climate activists from across Africa, united under Oilwatch Africa, convened in Uganda to strengthen their resolve for climate justice, challenge exploitation in the oil sector, and demand reparations for African nations grappling with the impacts of climate change.
In a vibrant discussion co-hosted by the Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO), the activists issued a powerful communiqué condemning Africa’s ongoing dependence on fossil fuels and urging a swift transition to renewable and cleaner energy sources.
Dickens Kamugisha, AFIEGO’s executive director, emphasized the urgent need to halt the destructive effects of oil exploration in Africa and called on activists to remain steadfast in their pursuit of climate justice.
“We have gathered here with one clear goal: to reject the exploitation of Africa under the pretext of oil drilling and to fight for climate justice. It is our responsibility to ensure the devastating impacts of oil are stopped,” Kamugisha declared.
Kentebe Ebiaridor, Coordinator of Oilwatch International, highlighted how oil extraction has impoverished many African communities, with the benefits disproportionately flowing to the Global North rather than Africa.
“It is long overdue for Africans to unite and define environmental justice on our own terms, for our own people,” Kentebe asserted. He called for an immediate halt to oil extraction across the continent due to its harmful effects on local communities.
Samuel Okulony from the Environment Governance Institute (EGI) Uganda advocated for a shift to clean energy, arguing that abandoning fossil fuels would protect communities from harm.
“Uganda stands to lose nothing by leaving oil in the ground. In fact, we would gain by avoiding the devastation oil brings. Even before the first barrel is extracted, we’re seeing the consequences—mass displacement of people in places like Buliisa and Hoima,” Okulony said.
Odudu Abasi Asuquo from the No-REDD in Africa Network (NRAN) passionately rejected so-called climate solutions that serve the Global North while failing African communities.
“We say no to exploitation. We say no to the dispossession of our people,” she declared with conviction.
