The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), commonly referred to by activists as “Bomba la Mafuta” (Swahili for Oil Bomb), is a controversial mega-project aiming to transport crude oil from Hoima in Uganda to the port of Tanga in Tanzania. Spanning approximately 1,443 kilometers, it is set to become the longest heated crude oil pipeline in the world.
Jointly developed by TotalEnergies, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), and the governments of Uganda and Tanzania, EACOP is projected to enable the export of Uganda’s oil reserves to international markets.
While proponents argue it promises economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation, critics point out that most of the oil revenue may benefit foreign corporations and elite interests over local communities.
Opposition to EACOP under the “Bomba la Mafuta” campaign has grown due to its significant environmental, social, and climate risks. The pipeline threatens to displace thousands of people, cut through sensitive ecosystems such as national parks and water catchment areas, and emit massive amounts of greenhouse gases during its lifetime. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about land grabbing, intimidation of activists, and inadequate compensation for affected communities.
As global momentum builds to move away from fossil fuels, activists argue that the project undermines international climate commitments and poses long-term harm to both people and the planet. The growing resistance has sparked protests across Africa and Europe, turning EACOP into a symbol of the global fight against fossil fuel expansion.
