Ugandan students Freed, But Climate of Fear Persists
After more than a year of being moved in and out of court, nine Ugandan students can now breathe easy after charges against them were dropped. While we celebrate their release, we must not overlook the growing threats environmental defenders face for questioning EACOP's devastating impacts.
These students' unwavering stand, despite intimidation, epitomizes the resilience of a generation fighting for climate justice and their rights. Their release exposes the unjust nature of their arrest, echoing the Human Rights Watch and UN Rapporteur's concerns over arbitrary arrests, a climate of fear, and violations of democratic freedoms.
Questioning unwanted dirty energy projects should not be criminalized.
EACOP threatens thousands with land loss and livelihoods, not to mention the impact on nature and climate. Yet, those advocating for affected communities' rights encounter crackdowns backed by Ugandan authorities keen to silence criticism and push EACOP forward unimpeded.
We applaud the newly freed activists, but our work continues as long as communities face harassment for protecting their future. Uganda must drop all charges against peaceful opponents immediately and respect the right to reject EACOP.
Our voices remain resolute - people over pipelines now and always. While injustice persists, so will our movement for what is right. Click here to read the full statement. Click here to read the full press statement.
