Some African environmental activists recently raised concerns over the oil drilling activities in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP) by TotalEnergies.
Development Diaries reports that there are concerns that the move by the energy firm threatens the biodiversity of the park – a beloved tourist hub and a key contributor to Uganda’s economy.
MFNP, which is one of the country’s oldest, largest and most visited parks, is said to be a sanctuary of global significance, recognised for its irreplaceable biodiversity and unparalleled natural beauty.
It is understood that the park is home to 76 species of mammals – including elephants, lions, and giraffes – and over 450 bird species, making it a remarkable and unique, irreplaceable ecosystem.
‘The Lake Albert fisheries are being put at risk by Total’s oil drilling in MFNP as the oil company’s activities are within the area of influence of the Murchison Falls-Albert Delta Ramsar’, StopEACOP, a group focused on putting a stop to the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, said in a statement.
Tourism accounted for 59 percent of Uganda’s exports in 2022, as the country earned U.S.$1.047 billion. But the drilling for oil in MFNP now threatens the socioeconomic fabric of Uganda, according to StopEACOP.
‘The decision by TotalEnergies and its partners to drill for oil within MFNP, while ignoring the biodiversity conservation, climate change and socio-economic risks of their ill-conceived Tilenga and EACOP projects, is a direct contradiction to the global urgency to protect our remaining wild spaces and reduce fossil fuel reliance’, the statement added.
‘It is clear that despite the global outcry and robust resistance from frontline communities and environmental groups, the interests of these companies are primarily focused on profit, with scant regard for the devastating environmental and socio-economic consequences their actions may unleash’.
Development Diaries condemns the actions of TotalEnergies and calls on the authorities in Uganda to ensure the preservation of MFNP and maintain its biodiversity.
Photo source: AFP
