Outspoken Critic of EACOP-associated Kingfisher Oil Project Freed After Horrific Abduction

Stephen Kwikiriza, a human rights defender and vocal critic of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)-associated Kingfisher oil project, has been found alive after a terrifying 6-day abduction ordeal. He was left on the side of a road in Kyenjojo district on June 9th, over 5 hours' drive away from where he was taken.

In a harrowing account, Kwikiriza described the appalling conditions he endured during his captivity. He explained that he was stripped down to his underwear and held in a bare room with minimal food and just a bucket for sanitation. When he arrived at the unknown location, he was beaten unconscious by his captors, a clear indication of the violent mistreatment he suffered.

Just before his phones were disabled, he sent a text stating that he had been arrested by the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF). The UPDF has been providing security for the Chinese oil company CNOOC's operations at the Kingfisher field since 2018. Local communities have accused the military of human rights violations, including burning fishing boats, making arrests, committing acts of sexual violence, and engaging in abuse in relation to securing the oil activities.

The StopEACOP campaign and its allies are demanding a full and impartial investigation into this deeply concerning abduction and the abuse suffered by the victim. Click here for the complete press release.