Stephen Kwikiriza, a member of the community affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) who was abducted by unknown people a week ago before being released on June 9 has narrated his ordeal at the hands of the captors.
Kwikiriza who has been outspoken against the social and economic impact of EACOP was found along the roadside in Kyenjojo district on June 9th at around 8:30 p.m, approximately five hours drive from the site of his abduction in Kampala.
He said during his time in captivity, he was forced to strip down to his underwear and kept in a room with minimal food and only a bucket for sanitation. Upon his arrival at the location where he was held, he says he was beaten and reported that he was knocked unconscious, a clear indication of the violent treatment he endured.
Kwikiriza also said that during his week-long detention, his captors repeatedly interrogated him regarding the interest of the international community in his disappearance and their pressure for his release.
Kwikiriza works as a community observer with Environmental Governance Institute (EGI) Uganda.
His abduction and release has sparked global codemnation especially from climate change activists.
“We strongly condemn the abduction of Kwikiriza Stephen and the violations he suffered over several days. Environmental defenders should be able to speak and act freely as they are essential in defending the rights of oil affected communities and in documenting the increasing human rights violations and environmental damages caused by Tilenga, Kingfisher and EACOP. Total has a clear legal liability in that sense,” said Juliette Renaud, Friends of the Earth France’s Coordinator.
Zaki Mamdoo, a StopEACOP Campaign Coordinator said they remain steadfast in exercising their right to oppose projects that destroy lives and livelihoods.” –
“We condemn in the strongest terms the abduction of Kwikiriza Stephen and the abuse he has endured at the hands of his captors. This incident is especially concerning in light of the ongoing repression faced by environmental, land, and human rights defenders who speak out against EACOP and its associated projects. The perpetrators must be brought to book and the repression of activists and communities must come to an immediate end,” Mamdoo said.
