Ugandans demand and deserve a sustainable economic future

In response to the signing of an investment agreement to build the world's longest heated crude oil pipeline through Uganda and Tanzania, the Inclusive Green Economy Network—East Africa, a network of Ugandans and East Africans from across civil society and industries, is calling for a reimagining of Uganda’s economic future. As a collective of East Africans who share a vision for a sustainable, inclusive economy for Uganda and the region, we urge decision-makers to plan and invest in the long-term strength, resilience and diversity of our economy.

As foreign interests set their sights on our resources, they will keep the profit while threatening our economy, our environment, our communities and our future. Uganda is not a resource to be extracted, but a people deserving of a sustainable and just economy that serves Ugandans and East Africans for generations to come. 

Oil and gas development exacerbates climate change, leaving our region even more vulnerable to its extreme impacts and global shocks. Inaction on climate change is an economic liability for Uganda, threatening any growth we may achieve. 

Further, oil projects directly threaten the homes, rights and livelihoods of Ugandans. Oil endangers the thriving natural landscapes that power our bustling tourism economy. By threatening our soil and water, oil risks our ability to grow and gather food for our families and communities. 

The investments we make today must support Ugandans now and well into the future. Economic development is critical to improving the lives of all Ugandans, but we cannot achieve true economic growth from an industry that is destined to decline.

We must invest in the resources and opportunities that we know have the capacity to grow our economy: the nature that supports our tourism industry, the small-scale farmers who feed our families and local economies, and the East African leaders of our clean energy future. Investments in these opportunities can drive sustainable development, uplift Ugandan communities, and position Uganda as a leader in the region. 

Now is the time to lean into Uganda’s innovative and expanding clean energy industries not only to create quality jobs, but also demonstrate to the world that East Africa is a premiere example of green economic leadership. 

Since the discovery of oil in 2006, Ugandans have long anticipated a dramatic change to the country, but never-ending delays to development continue to stifle hopes of economic prosperity. 

Ugandans have waited long enough. It’s time to invest in industries that will deliver. 

IGEN-EA is a network of Ugandans and East Africans from across civil society and industries united around a vision for a sustainable, inclusive and diversified economy for Uganda and the region.