Evaluating the environmental impact of the East African crude oil pipeline

Abstract

This study examines the Environmental Impact Assessment conducted for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline; a 1,443-kilometer transboundary pipeline designed to transport crude oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert basin to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. The Environmental Impact Assessment identifies a range of environmental risks associated with the project, including potential degradation of ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands, forest reserves, and biodiversity hotspots. Key concerns include habitat fragmentation, threats to endangered species, deforestation, and pollution of critical water bodies including the Lake Victoria basin. The assessment further highlights the long-term implications of increased greenhouse gas emissions and the pipeline’s contribution to climate change. Although the Environmental Impact Assessment outlines a suite of mitigation strategies—including route optimization, spill prevention mechanisms, and community engagement plans—questions remain about the adequacy and enforceability of these measures. This paper critically evaluates the methodological rigor of the Environmental Impact Assessment, the stakeholder consultation process, and the alignment of the project with regional and international environmental standards, ultimately questioning the project's sustainability within the broader context of climate justice and ecological preservation.